Coatings and coating systems containing high density metal material

ABSTRACT

A coating applied to an article is provided. The coating has an adhesive material, in contact with at least one substrate of the article. The coating has a plurality of high density metal pellets disposed in the adhesive material. The high density metal pellets are in an amount of at least 90% by weight of the total weight percent of the coating, and each high density metal pellet has a diameter of at least 0.04 inch. The coating further has a polymer material. The coating is applied to the at least one substrate of the article to obtain a mass-enhanced, coated article. The coating has a coating thickness of at least 0.25 inch. The coating thickness and the amount of high density metal pellets are sufficient to provide an attenuation of vibration of the coated article and a reduced risk of unwanted ergonomic effects.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This nonprovisional patent application is related to contemporaneouslyfiled U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. ______ , titledMETHODS OF MAKING COATINGS CONTAINING HIGH DENSITY METAL MATERIAL ANDMAKING COATED ARTICLES WITH THE SAME, having Attorney Docket Number16-2522-US-NP[2], filed on Jun. 27, 2017, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND 1) Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates generally to coatings and coating systems forapplication to articles, and methods for the same, and moreparticularly, to coatings and coating systems containing high densitymetal material, for application to articles, such as percussive tools,for example, rivet guns, and methods for the same.

2) Description of Related Art

Known fasteners in the form of rivets, bolts, and the like, are used innumerous applications in the aerospace, automotive, construction, andother industries, to fasten one structure to another structure. Forexample, in the aerospace industry, fasteners in the form of rivets andbolts are typically used to fasten aircraft structures, such as wingpanels, fuselage panels, and tail panels, together or to a substructure,and to fabricate structural assemblies. A single aircraft mayincorporate hundreds of thousands of fasteners in the form of rivets andbolts, and in the case of very large aircraft may incorporate over amillion of such fasteners.

Such fasteners, in the form of rivets and bolts, may typically beinstalled in aircraft and other structures using a percussive tool, suchas a rivet gun, also known as a pneumatic hammer. In many cases, suchrivet guns are hand-held by human users, and in some cases, such rivetguns may be robotic-held by automated robots. The rivet gun is usedagainst a head side of the rivet or bolt to drive the rivet or bolt intoa structure or structures, and a bucking bar may be used on a tail sideof the rivet or bolt. A bucking bar is a solid block or bar typicallymade of steel, tungsten, or another high density heavy metal, that isused to back up a rivet while it is being installed and set. The energyfrom the rivet gun drives the rivet or bolt against the inertia of thebucking bar. Typical riveting methods and devices for installing rivetsor bolts into a structure or structures, such as aircraft structures,may expose users to repetitive motion and unwanted ergonomic effects,such as prolonged or repetitive exposure or contact to the vibrationsassociated with riveting.

Known vibration dampening methods and devices for percussive tools, suchas rivet guns, exist. Such known vibration dampening methods and devicesfor percussive tools, such as rivet guns, may include the use ofsprings, air, or viscoelastic materials incorporated in or on the rivetgun. However, the use of such known springs, air, or viscoelasticmaterials incorporated in or on the rivet gun may result in decreasedtactile sensory feedback or loss of tactile sensory feedback by theuser.

In addition, another known vibration dampening device for use withpercussive tools, such as rivet guns, includes vibration dampeninggloves incorporating a gel material or a spongy material that may beworn by rivet gun users while riveting. However, while such knownvibration dampening gloves may be effective for low impact riveting,such known vibration dampening gloves may not be effective for highimpact riveting.

Further, another known vibration dampening device includes a recoillessrivet gun that provides a gentler impact than typical rivet guns.However, such known recoilless rivet guns may take longer to drive arivet or bolt, and the user may still be subject to vibration withlonger drive times. Moreover, while such known recoilless rivet guns maybe effective for low impact riveting, such known recoilless rivet gunsmay not be effective for high impact riveting.

In addition, known percussive tools, such as a rivet guns, are typicallymade of metal, and when the rivet gun is used to install fasteners inmetal structures, i.e., aluminum structures, the rivet gun may bedifficult to control due to the vibratory impact. Such rivet guninstability, while in use, may result in unwanted tool marks made by themetal rivet gun on the metal fastened or riveted structures or parts.

Further, while prior studies have shown improved ergonomics associatedwith adding mass to bucking bars used with rivet guns, adding mass torivet guns to improve ergonomics is not believed to be known.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved coatings andcoating systems and methods for the same, used to coat and add mass toarticles, such as percussive tools, for example, rivet guns, thatprovide attenuation of vibration and reduced risk of unwanted ergonomiceffects, and that provide advantages over known coatings, coatingsystems, and methods.

SUMMARY

This need for improved coatings, coating systems, and methods for thesame, is satisfied. As discussed in the below detailed description,embodiments of the improved coatings, coating systems, and methods forthe same, may provide significant advantages over known coatings,coating systems, and methods.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a coating appliedto an article. The coating comprises an adhesive material, in contactwith at least one substrate of the article. The coating furthercomprises a plurality of high density metal pellets disposed in theadhesive material. The plurality of high density metal pellets is in anamount of at least 90% (ninety percent) by weight of the total weightpercent of the coating, and each high density metal pellet has adiameter of at least 0.04 inch.

The coating further comprises a polymer material. The coating is appliedto the at least one substrate of the article to obtain a mass-enhanced,coated article. The coating has a coating thickness of at least 0.25inch. The coating thickness and the amount of high density metal pelletsare sufficient to provide an attenuation of vibration of the coatedarticle and a reduced risk of unwanted ergonomic effects.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a coatingapplied to a percussive tool. The coating comprises an adhesivematerial, in contact with at least one substrate of the percussive tool.The coating further comprises a plurality of tungsten carbide pelletsdisposed in the adhesive material. The plurality of tungsten carbidepellets is in an amount of at least 90% (ninety percent) by weight ofthe total weight percent of the coating. Each tungsten carbide pellethas a diameter of at least 0.04 inch.

The coating further comprises a polymer material. The coating is appliedto the at least one substrate of the percussive tool to obtain amass-enhanced, coated percussive tool. The coating has a coatingthickness of at least 0.25 inch. The coating thickness and the amount oftungsten carbide pellets are sufficient to provide an attenuation ofvibration of the coated percussive tool and a reduced risk of unwantedergonomic effects.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a coatingsystem. The coating system comprises an article having at least onesubstrate configured to be coated. The coating system further comprisesa coating.

The coating comprises an adhesive material. The coating furthercomprises a plurality of high density metal pellets disposed in theadhesive material to form a metal adhesive matrix. The plurality of highdensity metal pellets is in an amount of at least 90% (ninety percent)by weight of the total weight percent of the coating. Each high densitymetal pellet has a diameter of at least 0.04 inch. The coating furthercomprises a polymer material applied over the metal adhesive matrix.

The coating is applied to the at least one substrate of the article toobtain a mass-enhanced, coated article. The adhesive material of thecoating is in contact with the at least one substrate. The coating has acoating thickness of at least 0.25 inch. The coating thickness and theamount of high density metal pellets are sufficient to provide anattenuation of vibration of the coated article and a reduced risk ofunwanted ergonomic effects.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can beachieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or maybe combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can beseen with reference to the following description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure can be better understood with reference to the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawingswhich illustrate preferred and exemplary embodiments, but which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of an vehicle that mayincorporate one or more structures joined together with fastenersinstalled using an embodiment of a coating system and a coated articleof the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and servicemethod;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coating of thedisclosure;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a coating systemof the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of embodiments of a coating system and acoating of the disclosure;

FIG. 6A is an elevation view of a known article, in the form of apercussive tool, such as a rivet gun;

FIG. 6B is an elevation view of the known article, in the form of thepercussive tool, such as the rivet gun, of FIG. 6A, showing a barrelsubstrate coated with a metal adhesive matrix portion of an embodimentof a coating of the disclosure;

FIG. 6C is an elevation view of a coated article, in the form of acoated percussive tool, such as a coated rivet gun, showing the barrelsubstrate coated with an embodiment of a coating of the disclosure;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 6D-6D of FIG.6C;

FIG. 6E is an elevation view of the coated article, in the form of thecoated percussive tool, such as the coated rivet gun, of FIG. 6C,showing a handle substrate also coated with an embodiment of a coatingof the disclosure;

FIG. 6F is an elevation view of the coated article, in the form of thecoated percussive tool, such as the coated rivet gun, of FIG. 6C, usedwith a coated bucking bar, to apply force to set a rivet to join twostructures together;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a flow diagram of an exemplary embodimentof a method of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a flow diagram of another exemplaryembodiment of a method of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a flow diagram of yet another exemplaryembodiment of a method of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a spring-damper system representing apercussive process in relation to forces and mass used in test modelingfor a coated percussive tool, such as a coated rivet gun, of thedisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a testing plan for testing both acoated rivet gun coated with an embodiment of a coating of thedisclosure, and a rivet gun without the coating of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a bolt installation systemrepresentative of both an automated test bench (ATB) and a human user;

FIG. 13A is a loading profile graph for measurements from a load cellfor a coated rivet gun, coated with an embodiment of a coating of thedisclosure;

FIG. 13B is a loading profile graph for measurements from a load cellfor a rivet gun without a coating of the disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is an average force-displacement graph showingforce-displacement curve summaries of the average force-displacementsfor a coated rivet gun, coated with an embodiment of a coating of thedisclosure, and a rivet gun without the coating of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all ofthe disclosed embodiments are shown. Indeed, several differentembodiments may be provided and should not be construed as limited tothe embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are providedso that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scopeof the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

Now referring to the Figures, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspectiveview of an air vehicle 10, such as in the form of an aircraft 12, thatmay incorporate one or more structures 24, such as in the form of wingpanels 26, joined together with fasteners 28, such as rivets 28 a,installed using one or more embodiments of a coating system 90 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5) and a coated article 92 a (see FIGS. 4B, 5) of thedisclosure.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the air vehicle 10,such as in the form of aircraft 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the air vehicle10, such as in the form of aircraft 12, comprises a fuselage 14, a nose16, wings 18, engines 20, and an empennage 22 comprising horizontalstabilizers 22 a and a vertical stabilizer 22 b. As further shown inFIG. 1, the air vehicle 10, such as in the form of aircraft 12, mayincorporate one or more structures 24, such as in the form of wingpanels 26, joined together with fasteners 28, such as rivets 28 a. Forillustrative and exemplary purposes, only some of the fasteners 28, suchas rivets 28 a, are shown in FIG. 1, and such fasteners 28 are not drawnto scale. The air vehicle 10, such as in the form of aircraft 12, maytypically incorporate hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of suchfasteners 28.

Although the aircraft 12 shown in FIG. 1 is generally representative ofa commercial passenger aircraft, the teachings of the disclosedembodiments may be applied to structures joined together with fasteners28, such as rivets 28 a, for other passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft,military aircraft, rotorcraft, and other types of aircraft or aerialvehicles, as well as aerospace vehicles, satellites, space launchvehicles, rockets, and other aerospace vehicles, and other transportvehicles, such as boats and other watercraft, trains, automobiles,trucks, buses, or other suitable transport vehicles.

Now referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an aircraftmanufacturing and service method 30, and FIG. 3 is an illustration of ablock diagram of an aircraft 46. Embodiments of the disclosure may bedescribed in the context of the aircraft manufacturing and servicemethod 30, as shown in FIG. 2, and the aircraft 46, as shown in FIG. 3.During pre-production, the exemplary aircraft manufacturing and servicemethod 30 (see FIG. 2) may include specification and design 32 (see FIG.2) of the aircraft 46 (see FIG. 3) and material procurement 34 (see FIG.2). During manufacturing, component and subassembly manufacturing 36(see FIG. 2) and system integration 38 (see FIG. 2) of the aircraft 46(see FIG. 3) takes place. Thereafter, the aircraft 46 (see FIG. 3) maygo through certification and delivery 40 (see FIG. 2) in order to beplaced in service 42 (see FIG. 2). While in service 42 (see FIG. 2) by acustomer, the aircraft 46 (see FIG. 3) may be scheduled for routinemaintenance and service 44 (see FIG. 2), which may also includemodification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other suitableservices.

Each of the processes of the aircraft manufacturing and service method30 (see FIG. 2) may be performed or carried out by a system integrator,a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposesof this description, a system integrator may include, withoutlimitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-systemsubcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, anynumber of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator mayinclude an airline, leasing company, military entity, serviceorganization, and other suitable operators.

As shown in FIG. 3, the aircraft 46 produced by the exemplary aircraftmanufacturing and service method 30 may include an airframe 48 with aplurality of systems 50 and an interior 52. As further shown in FIG. 3,examples of the systems 50 may include one or more of a propulsionsystem 54, an electrical system 56, a hydraulic system 58, and anenvironmental system 59. Any number of other systems may be included.Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles of the disclosuremay be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

Methods and systems embodied herein may be employed during any one ormore of the stages of the aircraft manufacturing and service method 30(see FIG. 2). For example, components or subassemblies corresponding tocomponent and subassembly manufacturing 36 (see FIG. 2) may befabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components orsubassemblies produced while the aircraft 46 (see FIG. 3) is in service42 (see FIG. 2). Also, one or more apparatus embodiments, methodembodiments, or a combination thereof, may be utilized during componentand subassembly manufacturing 36 (see FIG. 2) and system integration 38(see FIG. 2), for example, by substantially expediting assembly of orreducing the cost of the aircraft 46 (see FIG. 3). Similarly, one ormore of apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combinationthereof, may be utilized while the aircraft 46 (see FIG. 3) is inservice 42 (see FIG. 2), for example and without limitation, tomaintenance and service 44 (see FIG. 2).

Now referring to FIG. 4A, FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of a coating 60 of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, thecoating 60 comprises an adhesive material 62. The adhesive material 62(see FIG. 4A) is preferably a binder material 64 (see FIG. 4A). Theadhesive material 62 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) preferably comprises one or moreof, a viscoelastic adhesive 62 a (see FIG. 5), a mastic viscoelasticadhesive 62 b (see FIG. 5), a hot-melt adhesive 62 c (see FIG. 5), aspray adhesive 62 d (see FIG. 5), a liquid adhesive 62 e (see FIG. 5),an adhesive glue 62 f (see FIG. 5), a pressure sensitive adhesive 62 g(see FIG. 5), or another suitable adhesive material 62. An exemplaryadhesive material 62 that may be used includes SUPER 77 spray adhesiveobtained from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn.. (SUPER 77 is a registeredtrademark of 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn.) The adhesive material 62 issufficiently viscous and firm to be able to hold a plurality of highdensity metal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 4A, 5, 6B) in place.

Preferably, the coating 60 (see FIG. 4A) includes a sufficient amount ofadhesive material 62 in an amount comprising 1% (one percent) by weightto 9% (nine percent) by weight of the total weight percent of thecoating 60. More preferably, the coating 60 (see FIG. 4A) includes asufficient amount of adhesive material 62 in an amount comprising 4.39%.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the coating 60 further comprises a plurality ofhigh density metal pellets 66 disposed in, or embedded in, the adhesivematerial 62. The plurality of high density metal pellets 66 (see FIG.4A) comprises a high density metal material 68 (see FIG. 4A) and may bein the form of shot pellets or another suitable form. As used herein,“high density metal material” means a metal material having a densitygreater than 7 g/cm³ (seven grams per cubic centimeter), where densityis the mass of the metal material per unit of volume of the metalmaterial, and further means the metal material is very durable andstrong, for example, high impact strength.

Preferably, the high density metal material 68 (see FIGS. 4A, 5)comprises one or more of, tungsten carbide 68 a (see FIG. 5), tungsten68 b (see FIG. 5), iron 68 c (see FIG. 5), copper 68 d (see FIG. 5),nickel 68 e (see FIG. 5), lead 68 f (see FIG. 5), molybdenum 68 g (seeFIG. 5), steel 68 h (see FIG. 5), inconel 68 i (see FIG. 5), platinum 68j (see FIG. 5), tin 68 k (see FIG. 5), silver 68 l (see FIG. 5), zinc 68m (see FIG. 5), bronze 68 n (see FIG. 5), and alloys 68 o (see FIG. 5)of one or more of the high density metal materials 68 thereof, i.e.,tungsten carbide, tungsten iron, copper, nickel, lead, molybdenum,steel, inconel, platinum, tin, silver, zinc, bronze, or another suitablehigh density metal material 68. The approximate densities in grams percubic centimeter (g/cm³) for each of the preferred high density metalmaterials 68 include the following: tungsten carbide (15.63 g/cm³),tungsten (19.25 g/cm³), iron (7.87 g/cm³), copper (8.96 g/cm³), nickel(8.90 g/cm³), lead (11.34 g/cm³), molybdenum (10.20 g/cm³), steel(ranges between about 7.75-8.05 g/cm³, depending on the alloyingconstituents), inconel (19.25 g/cm³), platinum (21.45 g/cm³), tin (7.3g/cm³), silver (10.49 g/cm³), zinc (7.14 g/cm³), and bronze (rangesbetween about 8.14-8.89 g/cm³, depending on the alloying constituents).

More preferably, the high density metal material 68 is tungsten carbide68 a (see FIG. 5). Preferably, the plurality of high density metalpellets 66 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) comprises a plurality of tungsten carbidepellets 66 a (see FIG. 5). Tungsten carbide is a preferred high densitymetal material to use due to its high strength, toughness, anddurability, and its high melting point of approximately 2,870° C. (5,200F.) and low coefficient of thermal expansion of 5.5 μm/(m·K).Preferably, the tungsten carbide is in the form of pellets or beads andcan be pressed and formed into shape over and/or around the substrate 94to be coated.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the adhesive material 62, together with theplurality of high density metal pellets 66 pellets disposed in orembedded in the adhesive material 62, comprise a metal adhesive matrix70.

Preferably, the metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIG. 4A) includes asufficient amount of adhesive material 62 in an amount comprising 1%(one percent) by weight to 9% (nine percent) by weight of the totalweight percent of the metal adhesive matrix 70. Preferably, the metaladhesive matrix 70 (see FIG. 4A) includes a sufficient amount of highdensity metal pellets 66 (see FIG. 5) in an amount comprising 91%(ninety-one percent) by weight to 99% (ninety-nine percent) by weight ofthe total weight percent of the metal adhesive matrix 70. The inventorascertained that an amount of high density material comprising tungstencarbide pellets 66 a that is less than 90% does not provide adequateattenuation of vibration, and has determined that the amount of adhesivematerial 62 comprising 1% (one percent) by weight to 9% (nine percent)by weight, and the amount of tungsten carbide pellets 66 a comprising91% (ninety-one percent) by weight to 99% (ninety-nine percent) byweight of the total weight percent of the metal adhesive matrix, aresufficient to provide an attenuation of vibration 100 of a coatedarticle 92 a and a reduced risk of unwanted ergonomic effects 102.

As further shown in FIG. 4A, the metal adhesive matrix 70 has a firstside 72 a and a second side 72 b. Preferably, the metal adhesive matrix70 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) has a thickness 73 (see FIG. 5) in a range of 0.20inch to 0.49 inch. More preferably, the metal adhesive matrix 70 (seeFIGS. 4A, 5) has a thickness 73 (see FIG. 5) in a range of 0.30 inch to0.35 inch.

Preferably, each high density metal pellet 66 (see FIG. 4A) has adiameter 76 (see FIG. 5) of at least 0.04 inch, or greater than 1 mm(one millimeter). More, preferably, each high density metal pellet 66has a diameter 76 (see FIG. 5) in a range of 0.040 inch to 0.10 inch.The high density metal pellets 66 (see FIG. 5) may all be of the same oruniform size, or may be of different or varying sizes within thepreferred diameter range. For example, smaller diameter high densitymetal pellets 66 may improve the packing efficiency of the high densitymetal pellets 66, and larger diameter high density metal pellets 66 maybe more durable and have improved wear performance.

Each high density metal pellet 66 has a shape 74 (see FIG. 5) orconfiguration. The shape 74 (see FIG. 5) may comprise a spherical shape74 a (see FIG. 5), a rod shape 74 b (see FIG. 5), an elliptical shape 74c (see FIG. 5), a disk shape 74 d (see FIG. 5), or another suitableshape.

Preferably, the coating 60 (see FIG. 4A) has an amount of high densitymetal pellets 66 (see FIG. 4A) of at least 90% (ninety percent) byweight of the total weight percent of the coating 60. More preferably,the coating 60 has an amount of high density metal pellets 66 comprising90% (ninety percent) by weight to 98% (ninety-eight percent) by weightof the total weight percent of the coating 60.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the coating 60 further comprises a polymer material78. The polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) is formed of one or morepolymers 80 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) comprising one or more of, polyolefin 80 a(see FIG. 5), polyethylene (PE) 80 b (see FIG. 5), polypropylene (PP) 80c (see FIG. 5), nylon 80 d (see FIG. 5), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)80 e, (see FIG. 5) fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) 80 f (see FIG.5), perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) 80 g (see FIG. 5), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) 80 h (see FIG. 5), polyester 80 i (see FIG.5), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) 80 j (see FIG. 5), polyvinyl chloride(PVC) 80 k (see FIG. 5), polyimide (PI) 80 l (see FIG. 5), polyamide 80m (see FIG. 5), polyurethane (PU) 80 n (see FIG. 5), polystyrene (PS) 80o (see FIG. 5), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) 80 p (see FIG. 5),polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) 80 q (see FIG. 5), or another suitable polymer.More preferably, the polymer material 78 (see FIG. 5) is formed of thepolymer 80 (see FIG. 5) comprising polyolefin 80 a (see FIG. 5).

Preferably, the coating 60 (see FIG. 4A) has an amount of polymermaterial 78 (see FIG. 4A) in an amount comprising 1.0% (one percent) byweight to 5.0% (five percent) by weight of the total weight percent ofthe coating 60.

The polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) is preferably in the form of apolymer material sleeve 82 (see FIG. 5). More preferably, the polymermaterial 78 (see FIG. 5) is in the form of a polymer material heatshrink sleeve 83 (see FIG. 5). Most preferably, the polymer material 78(see FIG. 5) is in the form of a cross-linked polyolefin heat shrinksleeve 84 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 4A, the polymer material 78 hasa first side 86 a and a second side 86 b. As further shown in FIG. 4A,the first side 86 a of the polymer material 78 is adjacent the secondside 72 b of the metal adhesive matrix 70. The polymer material 78preferably has a thickness 88 of about 0.00045 inch to 0.12 inch.

Now referring to FIGS. 4B and 5, FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of anembodiment of a coating system 90 of the disclosure. FIG. 5 is a blockdiagram of embodiments of the coating system 90 and the coating 60 ofthe disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5, the coating system 90 comprises the coating60, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 4A. As shown in FIG. 5, thecoating 60 may comprise, in a preferred embodiment, a coating 60 a withtungsten carbide. The coating 60 (see FIG. 5) is preferably in the formof a vibration attenuation coating 61a (see FIG. 5) and a shockabsorbing coating 61 b (see FIG.5).

The coating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) comprises the adhesive material 62 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5). The adhesive material 62 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) is preferably abinder material 64 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), and as shown in FIG. 5, comprisesone or more of, a viscoelastic adhesive 62 a, a mastic viscoelasticadhesive 62 b, a hot-melt adhesive 62 c, a spray adhesive 62 d, a liquidadhesive 62 e, an adhesive glue 62 f, a pressure sensitive adhesive 62g, or another suitable adhesive material 62.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5, the coating 60 further comprises theplurality of high density metal pellets 66 disposed or embedded in theadhesive material 62. The plurality of high density metal pellets 66(see FIG. 4B) comprises a high density metal material 68 (see FIG. 4B)comprising, as shown in FIG. 5, one or more of, tungsten carbide 68 a(see FIG. 5), tungsten 68 b (see FIG. 5), iron 68 c (see FIG. 5), copper68 d (see FIG. 5), nickel 68 e (see FIG. 5), lead 68 f (see FIG. 5),molybdenum 68 g (see FIG. 5), steel 68 h (see FIG. 5), inconel 68 i (seeFIG. 5), platinum 68 j (see FIG. 5), tin 68 k (see FIG. 5), silver 68 l(see FIG. 5), zinc 68 m (see FIG. 5), bronze 68 n (see FIG. 5), andalloys 68 o (see FIG. 5) of one or more of the high density metalmaterials 68 thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of high densitymetal pellets 66 preferably comprises a plurality of tungsten carbidepellets 66 a. Preferably, each high density metal pellet 66 (see FIG. 5)has a diameter 76 (see FIG. 5) of at least 0.04 inch, as discussedabove.

The adhesive material 62 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), together with the pluralityof high density metal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), comprises the metalmatrix adhesive 70 (see FIGS. 4B, 5). As shown in FIG. 4B, the metaladhesive matrix 70 has the first side 72 a and the second side 72 b. Asshown in FIG. 5, the metal matrix adhesive 70 preferably comprises ametal matrix adhesive 70 a comprising tungsten carbide.

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5, the coating 60 further comprises the polymermaterial 78. The polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) is formed of oneor more polymers 80 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) comprising one or more of thepolymers 80, as discussed above and shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG.4B, the polymer material 78 has the first side 86 a and the second side86 b. As shown in FIG. 5, the polymer material 78 has a thickness 88,and may be in the form of a polymer material sleeve 82, a polymermaterial heat shrink sleeve 83, a cross-linked polyolefin heat shrinksleeve 84, or another suitable form. Preferably, the polymer material 78(see FIG. 5) comprises the polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIG. 5)applied over the metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIG. 5). The high densitymetal material 68 (see FIG. 5), such as in the form of high densitymetal pellets 66 (see FIG. 5), for example, tungsten carbide pellets 66a (see FIG. 5), or shot, may also be laminated via lamination 71 (seeFIG. 5).

As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5, the coating system 90 further comprises anarticle 92 having at least one substrate 94 configured to be coated withthe coating 60. The at least one substrate 94 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) has oneor more substrate surfaces 95 (see FIGS. 4B, 5). The at least onesubstrate 94 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) may preferably be prepared prior toapplying the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), with a preparation process128 (see FIG. 5) and one or more preparation agents 130 (see FIG. 5),and with masking 132 (see FIG. 5) of one or more surfaces 134 (see FIG.5) of the article 92 (see FIG. 5), to obtain a prepared substrate 96(see FIGS. 4B, 5). Preparing the substrate 94 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) isdiscussed in more detail below with respect to the methods disclosedherein. Exemplary substrates 94 (see FIG. 5) to be coated on the article92 (see FIG. 5) may include a barrel substrate 94 a (see FIGS. 5, 6A) ofa rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6A), a handle substrate 94 b (see FIGS. 5,6A) of a rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6A), or another suitable substrate94 on an article 92 to be coated.

The coating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) is applied to the at least onesubstrate 94 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), such as the prepared substrate 96 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5), of the article 92 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), to obtain amass-enhanced, coated article 92 a (see FIGS. 4B, 5). The adhesivematerial 62 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) of the metal matrix adhesive 70 (see FIGS.4B, 5) of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) is in contact with, andpreferably in direct contact with, the substrate 94 (see FIG. 4B).Preferably, the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) has a coating thickness 98(see FIG. 5) of at least 0.25 inch. More preferably, the coating has acoating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5) in a range of 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch.

The coating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5) and the amount of high densitymetal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 4A-4B, 5) are sufficient to provide anattenuation of vibration 100 (see FIG. 5) of the coated article 92 a(see FIGS. 4B, 5) and a reduced risk of unwanted ergonomic effects 102(see FIG. 5). As used herein, “attenuation of vibration” means areduction in the force of a vibration to a user who is using oroperating the coated article 92 a (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, the article 92 to be coated with the coating 60, forexample, coated partially, substantially, or completely, may comprise animplement 104 to obtain a coated implement 104, or a tool 106 to obtaina coated tool 106 a. As further shown in FIG. 5, the article 92 to becoated with the coating 60 may comprise a percussive tool 108 to obtaina coated percussive tool 108 a, including a rivet gun 110 to obtain acoated rivet gun 110 a. As further shown in FIG. 5, the article 92 to becoated with the coating 60 may comprise a bucking bar 112 to obtain acoated bucking bar 112 a. The bucking bar 112 (FIGS. 5, 6F), may be usedwith a rivet gun 110 (FIGS. 5, 6F), and both the rivet gun 110 and thebucking bar 112 may be coated partially, substantially, or completelywith the coating 60 (see FIGS. 5, 6F). A bucking bar is a solid block orbar typically made of steel, tungsten, or another high density heavymetal, that is used to back up a rivet while it is being installed andset

As further shown in FIG. 5, the article 92 to be coated with the coating60 may comprise a handle 114 to obtain a coated handle 114 a, a glove116 to obtain a coated glove 116, or another suitable article 92. Asfurther shown in FIG. 5, the article 92 to be coated with the coating 60may comprise other exemplary tools 106, such as hand-held tools 118 andautomated robotic-held tools 120, as well as other exemplary percussivetools 108, such as power drills 122, hammer drills 124, power sandingdevices 126, or other suitable percussive tools 108, for example,grinder devices, chiseling devices, punching devices, e.g., nail punch,and the like. In addition, the article 92 to be coated with the coating60 may comprise audio equipment, such as amplifiers and speakercabinets, and other structures and articles that produce vibrations whenused.

As used herein, “percussive tool” means a power driven tool, forexample, electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or kinetic tools powered byelectricity, compressed air, hydraulic fluid, or another suitable powersource, and where the percussive tool operates by striking rapid blowsagainst an object or surface, for example, a rivet gun.

In one preferred embodiment, the coating 60 (see FIG. 5), such as thecoating 60 a (see FIG. 5) with tungsten carbide 68 a (see FIG. 5), isapplied to a percussive tool 108 (see FIG. 5), such as a rivet gun 110(see FIG. 5). The coating 60 a (see FIG. 5) comprises the adhesivematerial 62 (see FIG. 5), in contact with at least one substrate 94 (seeFIG. 5) of the percussive tool 108 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, theadhesive material 62 comprises a binder material 64 and comprises one ormore of, a viscoelastic adhesive 62 a, a mastic viscoelastic adhesive 62b, a hot-melt adhesive 62 c, a spray adhesive 62 d, a liquid adhesive 62e, an adhesive glue 62 f, a pressure sensitive adhesive 62 g, or anothersuitable adhesive material.

The coating 60 a (see FIG. 5) further comprises a plurality of tungstencarbide pellets 66 a (see FIG. 5) disposed in the adhesive material 62(see FIG. 5). The plurality of tungsten carbide pellets 66 a (see FIG.5) is in an amount of at least 90% (ninety percent) by weight of thetotal weight percent of the coating 60 a (see FIG. 5). Preferably, eachtungsten carbide pellet 66 a (see FIG. 5) has a diameter 76 (see FIG. 5)of at least 0.04 inch. More preferably, each tungsten carbide pellet 66a (see FIG. 5) has a diameter 76 (see FIG. 5) in a range of 0.04 inch to0.10 inch.

Each tungsten carbide pellet 66 a (see FIG. 5) has a shape 74 (see FIG.5) or configuration. The shape 74 (see FIG. 5) may comprise a sphericalshape 74 a (see FIG. 5), a rod shape 74 b (see FIG. 5), an ellipticalshape 74 c (see FIG. 5), a disk shape 74 d (see FIG. 5), or anothersuitable shape.

The coating 60 a (see FIG. 5) further comprises the polymer material 78(see FIG. 5). The polymer material 78 (see FIG. 5) preferably comprisesa cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5), or anothersuitable polymer material.

The coating 60 a (see FIG. 5) is applied to the at least one substrate94 (see FIG. 5) of the percussive tool 108 (see FIG. 5), to obtain amass-enhanced, coated percussive tool 108 a (see FIG. 5). The coating 60a (see FIG. 5) is preferably applied to a barrel substrate 94 a (seeFIGS. 5, 6A) of the rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 5). Additionally, thecoating 60 a (see FIG. 5) may be applied to a handle substrate 94 b (seeFIGS. 5, 6A) of the rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6A).

Preferably, the coating 60 a (see FIG. 5) has a coating thickness 98(see FIG. 5) of at least 0.25 inch. More preferably, the coating 60 a(see FIG. 5) has a coating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5) in a range of 0.25inch to 0.5 inch.

The coating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5) and the amount of tungsten carbidepellets 66 a (see FIG. 5) in the coating 60 a (see FIG. 5) aresufficient to provide an attenuation of vibration 100 (see FIG. 5) ofthe coated percussive tool 108 a (see FIG. 5) and a reduced risk ofunwanted ergonomic effects 102 (see FIG. 5).

The coating 60 (see FIG. 5) may also be in a form of a preformed coatingcover 89 (see FIG. 5) that is configured to fit or form over and adhereto the substrate 94 (see FIG. 5) of the article 92 (see FIG. 5). Thepreformed coating cover 89 (see FIG. 5) comprises the adhesive material62 (see FIG. 5) and the plurality of high density metal pellets 66 (seeFIG. 5) disposed in the adhesive material 62 that form the metaladhesive matrix 70 (see FIG. 5), and further comprises the polymermaterial 78 (see FIG. 5) applied over or encasing the metal adhesivematrix 70 (see FIG. 5). The preformed coating cover 89 (see FIG. 5) maybe cut or formed to a desired size to fit over the one or moresubstrates 94 (see FIG. 5) of the article 92 (see FIG. 5) to be covered.The first side 72 a (see FIGS. 4A-4B) of the metal adhesive matrix 70may be adhered to the substrate 94 (see FIG. 4B) of the article 92 (seeFIG. 4B). Additional adhesive material 62 (see FIGS. 4A-4B, 5) may beapplied onto the substrate 94 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) of the article 92 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5) to sufficiently adhere the preformed coating cover 89 (seeFIG. 5) to the substrate 94 (see FIG. 5).

Now referring to FIGS. 6A-6F, an article 92, in the form of a percussivetool 108, such as a rivet gun 110, is shown at various stages of beingcoated with the coating 60 of the disclosure to form a coated article 92a, in the form of a coated percussive tool 108 a, such as a coated rivetgun 110 a.

Now referring to FIG. 6A, FIG. 6A is an elevation view of a knownarticle 92, in the form of a percussive tool 108, such as a rivet gun110. As shown in FIG. 6A, the exemplary rivet gun 110 has a barrelportion 142 with a substrate 94, such as in the form of a barrelsubstrate 94 a. The exemplary rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 6A) further has aspring element 143 (see FIG. 6A) attached at a rivet end 148 (see FIG.6A). As shown in FIG. 6A, the exemplary rivet gun 110 further has ahandle portion 144 with a substrate 94, such as in the form of a handlesubstrate 94 b. The substrates 94 (see FIG. 6A) have substrate surfaces95 (see FIG. 6A). The rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 6A) may also have one ormore surfaces 134 that will not be coated with a coating 60 (see FIG.4A, 5). As further shown in FIG. 6A, the handle portion 144 of theexemplary rivet gun 110 has a trigger 145 and a power connection end146. The power connection end 146 (see FIG. 6) is configured forattachment to a power connection element 141 (see FIG. 6F), such as apower cord, which is, in turn, connected to a power source (not shown).

As further shown in FIG. 6A, a rivet die 147 may be attached to andremoved from the rivet end 148 of the rivet gun 110. The end of therivet die 147 (see FIG. 6A) is configured for contact with a headportion 29 a (see FIG. 6F) of a fastener 28 (see FIG. 6F), such as inthe form of a rivet 28 a (see FIG. 6F), when riveting. The rivet die 147(see FIG. 6A) is attached to and removable from an interior portion ofthe rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 6A), and different types of rivet dies maybe changed out and used with a single rivet gun 110, depending on thetype of rivet 28 a (see FIG. 6F) used, the type of riveting beingperformed, and/or the desired type of rivet die needed. The rivet die147 shown in FIG. 6A is merely representative of a rivet die, ingeneral, and any number of different types of rivet die attachments maybe used with the rivet gun 110. The rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 6A) may bepowered electrically with electric power, pneumatically with compressedair, hydraulically with hydraulic fluid, or powered via another suitablepower source.

FIG. 6B is an elevation view of the known article 92, in the form of thepercussive tool 108, such as the rivet gun 110, of FIG. 6A, showing thesubstrate 94, such as the barrel substrate 94 a, coated with a metaladhesive matrix 70 portion of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A-4B, 5) of thedisclosure. As shown in FIG. 6B, the metal adhesive matrix 70 comprisesthe adhesive material 62 and the high density metal pellets 66. As shownin FIG. 6B, the rivet gun 110 is partially coated with the metaladhesive matrix 70, and the substrate 94, such as in the form of ahandle substrate 94 b, as well the surface 134, are uncoated.

FIG. 6C is an elevation view of a coated article 92 a, in the form of acoated percussive tool 108 a, such as a coated rivet gun 110 a, wherethe substrate 94, such as the barrel substrate 94 a, of the rivet gun110 of FIG. 6B is now coated with an embodiment of the coating 60 of thedisclosure. FIG. 6C shows the outer portion of the coating 60 comprisingthe polymer material 78, such as in the form of polymer material sleeve82, that encases the inner portion of the coating 60 comprising themetal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIG. 6B). As shown in FIG. 6C, the coatedrivet gun 110 a is partially coated with the coating 60, and thesubstrate 94, such as in the form of a handle substrate 94 b, andsurface 134 are uncoated. The coating system 90 (see FIG. 6C) includesthe coated article 92 a (see FIG. 6C), in the form of a coatedpercussive tool 108 a (see FIG. 6C), such as a coated rivet gun 110 a(see FIG. 6C), coated with the coating 60 (see FIG. 6C).

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 6D-6D of FIG.6C. FIG. 6D shows the coating system 90 with the article 92 coated withthe coating 60, to obtain the coated article 92 a. As shown in FIG. 6D,the coating 60 applied to the substrate 94, such as the barrel substrate94 a, of the article 92, comprises the adhesive material 62 and theplurality of high density metal pellets 66 which form the metal adhesivematrix 70, shown as the inner portion of the coating 60. As furthershown in FIG. 6D, the coating 60 comprises the polymer material 78, suchas in the form of polymer material sleeve 82, that surrounds or encasesthe metal adhesive matrix 70, and shown as the outer portion of thecoating 60.

FIG. 6E is an elevation view of the coated article 92 a, in the form ofthe coated percussive tool 108 a, such as the coated rivet gun 110 a, ofFIG. 6C, showing the substrate 94, such as in the form of barrelsubstrate 94 a, coated with the coating 60, and also showing thesubstrate 94, such as in the form of handle substrate 94 b, coated withthe coating 60. FIG. 6D further shows the outer portion of the coating60 comprising the polymer material 78, such as in the form of polymermaterial sleeve 82, on both the barrel substrate 94 a and the handlesubstrate 94 b. As shown in FIG. 6E, the coated rivet gun 110 a issubstantially coated with the coating 60, as both the barrel substrate94 a and the handle substrate 94 b are coated. Surface 134 (see FIG. 6E)is uncoated. The coating system 90 (see FIG. 6E) includes the coatedarticle 92 a (see FIG. 6E), in the form of the coated percussive tool108 a (see FIG. 6E), such as the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIG. 6E),coated with the coating 60 (see FIG. 6E).

FIG. 6F is an elevation view of the coated article 92 a, in the form ofthe coated percussive tool 108 a, such as the coated rivet gun 110 a, ofFIG. 6C, used with a coated bucking bar 112 a, to apply force to set afastener 28, such as in the form of a rivet 28 a, to join two structures24, such as wing panels 26, together. FIG. 6F shows the outer portion ofthe coating 60 comprising the polymer material 78, such as in the formof polymer material sleeve 82, that encases the inner portion of thecoating 60 comprising the metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIG. 6B). Asshown in FIG. 6F, the coated rivet gun 110 a is partially coated withthe coating 60, and the substrate 94, such as in the form of barrelsubstrate 94 a, of the barrel portion 142 is coated. As further shown inFIG. 6F, the substrate 94, such as in the form of handle substrate 94 b,of the handle portion 144, as well as the surface 134 are uncoated. Thecoating system 90 (see FIG. 6F) includes the coated article 92 a (seeFIG. 6F), in the form of the coated percussive tool 108 a (see FIG. 6F),such as the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIG. 6F), coated with thecoating 60 (see FIG. 6F). FIG. 6F further shows the power connectionelement 141 attached to the power connection end 146 of the handleportion 144, and shows the trigger 145 of the handle 144. As furthershown in FIG. 6F, an opening 149 or hole is preferably cut through thecoating 60 at the rivet end 148 of the coated rivet gun 110 a, so thatthe rivet die 147 may be attached to an interior portion of the coatedrivet gun 110 a.

As shown in FIG. 6F, the coated rivet gun 110 a is used with a buckingbar 112 that has been coated with the coating 60, to obtain a coatedbucking bar 112 a. FIG. 6F shows the substrate 94 of the bucking bar 112partially coated with the coating 60, and shows the outer portion of thecoating 60 on the coated bucking bar 112 a comprising the polymermaterial 78, such as in the form of polymer material sleeve 82. Asfurther shown in FIG. 6F, a coated end 113 a of the coated bucking bar112 a is configured to be held by a user (not shown) during riveting,and an uncoated end 113 b of the bucking bar 112 is configured forcontact with a tail portion 29 b of the fastener 28, such as in the formof the rivet 28 a, when riveting.

FIG. 6F shows the fastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, inserted throughtwo structures 24, such as in the form of wing panels 26, to join thetwo structures 24 together by riveting the fastener 28, such as therivet 28 a, with the coated rivet gun 110 a in front of the fastener 28and the coated bucking bar 112 a behind the fastener 28. As shown inFIG. 6F, the end of the rivet die 147 is configured to contact the headportion 29 a of the fastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, and the rivetdie 147 and the coated rivet gun 110 a apply a force (F₁) to the headportion 29 a of the fastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, to set thefastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, in the structures 24.

As further shown in FIG. 6F, the uncoated end 113 b of the coatedbucking bar 112 a is configured to be held against the tail portion 29 bof the fastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, when the rivet die 147 ofthe coated rivet gun 110 a is riveting the fastener 28, such as therivet 28 a. The coated bucking bar 112 a (see FIG. 6F) is designed toapply a reaction force (F₂) (see FIG. 6F) to the tail portion 29 b (seeFIG. 6F) of the fastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, in reaction to theforce (F₁) (see FIG. 6F) applied by rivet die 147 (see FIG. 6F) and thecoated rivet gun 110 a (see FIG. 6F). During riveting and installationof the fastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, to join the structures 24,such as wing panels 26, together, the uncoated end 113 b of the coatedbucking bar 112 a may be held against the tail portion 29 b of thefastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, while the rivet die 147 (see FIG.6F) of the coated rivet gun 110 a applies force (F₁) (see FIG. 6F) to,or hammers away at, the head portion 29 a (see FIG. 6F) of the fastener28, such as the rivet 28 a, causing the tail portion 29 b (see FIG. 6F)to set. The fastener 28 (see FIG. 6F), such as the rivet 28 a (see FIG.6F), expands in openings 27 (see FIG. 6F) of structures 24 (see FIG.6F), such as the wing panels 26 (see FIG. 6F), being held together,until the fastener 28, such as the rivet 28 a, fills the space in theopenings 27 (see FIG. 6F).

Now referring to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, there is provided amethod 150 of making a coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) applied to anarticle 92 (see FIGS. 4B, 5, 6A). FIG. 7 is an illustration of a flowdiagram of an exemplary embodiment of the method 150 of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 7, the method 150 comprises step 152 of preparing atleast one substrate 94 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) on the article 92 (see FIGS.4B, 5) to be coated, to obtain at least one prepared substrate 96 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5). The step 152 of preparing the at least one substrate 94comprises using a preparation process 128 (see FIG. 5) and one or morepreparation agents 130 (see FIG. 5) to prepare the at least onesubstrate 94. The preparation process 128 may comprise one or morecleaning processes, such as hand cleaning, power tool cleaning, abrasivecleaning, or another suitable type of cleaning, may comprise polishingprocesses, may comprise smoothing processes, or may comprise anothersuitable preparation process 128 to prepare the substrate 94. The one ormore preparation agents 130 may comprise one or more cleaning agents,such as water, detergent, soap, bleach, acidic cleaning solutions,degreasers, or another suitable cleaning agent, one or more polishingagents, one or more smoothing agents, or another suitable preparationagent 130.

The step 152 of preparing the at least one substrate 94 furthercomprises masking 132 (see FIG. 5) one or more surfaces 134 (see FIG. 5)of the article 92, where the surfaces 134 are not to be coated with thecoating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) during a particular coating process. Thesurfaces 134 (see FIGS. 5, 6C) may be masked via masking 132 (see FIG.5) with a masking element, such as tape, or another suitable maskingelement.

As discussed in detail above, the article 92 preferably comprises oneof, an implement 104, a tool 106, a percussive tool 108 including arivet gun 110, a bucking bar 112, a handle 114, a glove 116, a hand-heldtool 118, an automated robotic-held tool 120, a power drill 122, ahammer drill 124, a power sanding device 126, or another suitablearticle 92, as discussed above.

As shown in FIG. 7, the method 150 further comprises step 154 ofpreparing the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5). As further shown in FIG. 7,the coating 60 is obtained by step 156 of disposing a plurality of highdensity metal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 4A, 5, 6B) in an adhesive material62 (see FIGS. 4A, 5, 6B), to form a metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIGS.4A, 5, 6B), and by step 157 of adding a polymer material 78 (see FIGS.4A, 5, 6C) over the metal adhesive matrix 70.

As discussed in detail above, the plurality of high density metalpellets 66 is preferably in an amount of at least 90% (ninety percent)by weight of the total weight percent of the coating 60. Each highdensity metal pellet 66 (see FIG. 5) has a diameter 76 (see FIG. 5) ofat least 0.04 inch.

The step 154 (see FIG. 7) of preparing the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5)further comprises disposing the plurality of high density metal pellets66 with each high density metal pellet 66 (see FIG. 5) comprising a highdensity metal material 68 (see FIG. 5) comprising one or more of,tungsten carbide 68 a (see FIG. 5), tungsten 68 b (see FIG. 5), iron 68c (see FIG. 5), copper 68 d (see FIG. 5), nickel 68 e (see FIG. 5), lead68 f (see FIG. 5), molybdenum 68 g (see FIG. 5), steel 68 h (see FIG.5), inconel 68 i (see FIG. 5), platinum 68 j (see FIG. 5), tin 68 k (seeFIG. 5), silver 68 l (see FIG. 5), zinc 68 m (see FIG. 5), bronze 68 n(see FIG. 5), and alloys 68 o (see FIG. 5) of one or more of the highdensity metal materials 68 thereof, or another suitable high densitymetal material 68.

The step 154 (see FIG. 7) of preparing the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5)further comprises disposing the plurality of high density metal pellets66 in the adhesive material 62 comprising a binder material 64 (see FIG.5), and comprising, as shown in FIG. 5, one or more of, a viscoelasticadhesive 62 a, a mastic viscoelastic adhesive 62 b, a hot-melt adhesive62 c, a spray adhesive 62 d, a liquid adhesive 62 e, an adhesive glue 62f, and a pressure sensitive adhesive 62 g.

The step 154 (see FIG. 7) of preparing the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5)further comprises step 157 (see FIG. 7) of adding the polymer material78 (see FIGS. 4A, 5, 6C) comprising a polymer material 78 comprised ofone of, or one or more of, polyolefin 80 a (see FIG. 5), polyethylene(PE) 80 b (see FIG. 5), polypropylene (PP) 80 c (see FIG. 5), nylon 80 d(see FIG. 5), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) 80 e, (see FIG. 5)fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) 80 f (see FIG. 5), perfluoroalkoxyalkanes (PFA) 80 g (see FIG. 5), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) 80h (see FIG. 5), polyester 80 i (see FIG. 5), polyether ether ketone(PEEK) 80 j (see FIG. 5), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 80 k (see FIG. 5),polyimide (PI) 80 l (see FIG. 5), polyamide 80 m (see FIG. 5),polyurethane (PU) 80 n (see FIG. 5), polystyrene (PS) 80 o (see FIG. 5),polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) 80 p (see FIG. 5), polyvinyl acetate(PVAC) 80 q (see FIG. 5), or another suitable polymer. More preferably,the polymer material 78 (see FIG. 5) is formed of the polymer 80 (seeFIG. 5) comprising polyolefin 80 a (see FIG. 5).

The step 154 (see FIG. 7) of preparing the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5)further comprises step 157 (see FIG. 7) of adding the polymer material78 (see FIGS. 4A, 5, 6C) preferably in the form of a polymer materialsleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C). More preferably, the polymer material 78(see FIG. 5) is in the form of a polymer material heat shrink sleeve 83(see FIG. 5). Most preferably, the polymer material 78 (see FIG. 5) isin the form of a cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG.5).

As shown in FIG. 7, the method 150 further comprises step 158 ofapplying the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) to the at least one preparedsubstrate 96 of the article 92, to obtain a mass-enhanced, coatedarticle 92 a (see FIGS. 4B, 5, 6C). Preferably, the coating 60 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5) has a coating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5) of at least 0.25inch. More preferably, the coating has a coating thickness 98 (see FIG.5) in a range of 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch. The coating thickness 98 and theamount of high density metal pellets 66 are sufficient to provide anattenuation of vibration 100 (see FIG. 5) of the coated article 92 a(see FIG. 5) and a reduced risk of unwanted ergonomic effects 102 (seeFIG. 5).

The step 158 (see FIG. 7) of applying the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5)preferably further comprises contacting the at least one preparedsubstrate 96 with the adhesive material 62 and heating the adhesivematerial 62 to a desired viscosity 136 (see FIG. 5). The step 158 (seeFIG. 7) of applying the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) preferably furthercomprises adhering the plurality of high density metal pellets 66 to theadhesive material 62, and repeating sequentially, all of the contacting,the heating, and the adhering steps, a desired number of times, until adesired thickness 73 (see FIG. 5) of the metal adhesive matrix 70 isobtained. The step 158 (see FIG. 7) of applying the coating 60 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5) preferably further comprises molding the metal adhesivematrix 70 to obtain a desired shape 138 (see FIG. 5) and a desiredsmoothness 140 (see FIG. 5), and applying or adding the polymer material78 over the metal adhesive matrix 70.

Now referring to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, there is provided amethod 160 of making a coated percussive tool 108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C).FIG. 8 is an illustration of a flow diagram of another exemplaryembodiment of the method 160 of the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 8, the method 160 comprises step 162 of preparing atleast one substrate 94 on a percussive tool 108 to be coated, to obtainat least one prepared substrate 96. The percussive tool 108 (see FIGS.5, 6A) preferably comprises a rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6A). Asdiscussed above, the step 162 of preparing the at least one substrate 94comprises using a preparation process 128 (see FIG. 5) and one or morepreparation agents 130 (see FIG. 5) to prepare the at least onesubstrate 94. The preparation process 128 may comprise one or morecleaning processes, such as hand cleaning, power tool cleaning, abrasivecleaning, or another suitable type of cleaning, may comprise polishingprocesses, may comprise smoothing processes, or may comprise anothersuitable preparation process 128 to prepare the substrate 94. The one ormore preparation agents 130 may comprise one or more cleaning agents,such as water, detergent, soap, bleach, acidic cleaning solutions,degreasers, or another suitable cleaning agent, one or more polishingagents, one or more smoothing agents, or another suitable preparationagent 130.

The step 162 of preparing the at least one substrate 94 furthercomprises masking 132 (see FIG. 5) one or more surfaces 134 (see FIG. 5)of the percussive tool 108, where the surfaces 134 are not to be coatedwith the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) during a particular coatingprocess. The surfaces 134 (see FIG. 5) may be masked via masking 132(see FIG. 5) with a masking element, such as tape, or another suitablemasking element.

As shown in FIG. 8, the method 160 further comprises step 164 ofpreparing a coating 60 a. The coating 60s, as discussed in furtherdetail above, comprises an adhesive material 62. As shown in FIG. 5, theadhesive material 62 comprises a binder material 64 and comprises one ormore of, a viscoelastic adhesive 62 a, a mastic viscoelastic adhesive 62b, a hot-melt adhesive 62 c, a spray adhesive 62 d, a liquid adhesive 62e, an adhesive glue 62 f, and a pressure sensitive adhesive 62 g.

The coating 60 a further comprises a plurality of tungsten carbidepellets 66 a disposed in the adhesive material 62, to form a metaladhesive matrix 70. As discussed in detail above, the plurality oftungsten carbide pellets 66 a is in an amount of at least 90% (ninetypercent) by weight of the total weight percent of the coating 60 a. Eachtungsten carbide pellet 66 a has a diameter 76 of at least 0.04 inch.More preferably, each tungsten carbide pellet 66 a has a diameter 76 ina range of 0.04 inch to 0.1 inch.

Each high density metal pellet 66 has a shape 74 (see FIG. 5). The shape74 (see FIG. 5) may comprise a spherical shape 74 a (see FIG. 5), a rodshape 74 b (see FIG. 5), an elliptical shape 74 c (see FIG. 5), a diskshape 74 d (see FIG. 5), or another suitable shape.

The coating 60 a further comprises a polymer material 78. As discussedin detail above, the polymer material 78 is formed of one or morepolymers 80 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) comprising one or more of, polyolefin 80 a(see FIG. 5), polyethylene (PE) 80 b (see FIG. 5), polypropylene (PP) 80c (see FIG. 5), nylon 80 d (see FIG. 5), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)80 e, (see FIG. 5) fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) 80 f (see FIG.5), perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA) 80 g (see FIG. 5), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) 80 h (see FIG. 5), polyester 80 i (see FIG.5), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) 80 j (see FIG. 5), polyvinyl chloride(PVC) 80 k (see FIG. 5), polyimide (PI) 80 l (see FIG. 5), polyamide 80m (see FIG. 5), polyurethane (PU) 80 n (see FIG. 5), polystyrene (PS) 80o (see FIG. 5), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) 80 p (see FIG. 5),polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) 80 q (see FIG. 5), or another suitable polymer.More preferably, the polymer material 78 (see FIG. 5) is formed of thepolymer 80 (see FIG. 5) comprising polyolefin 80 a (see FIG. 5).

The polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) is preferably in the form of apolymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C). More preferably, thepolymer material 78 (see FIG. 5) is in the form of a polymer materialheat shrink sleeve 83 (see FIG. 5). Most preferably, the polymermaterial 78 (see FIG. 5) is in the form of a cross-linked polyolefinheat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 8, the method 160 further comprises step 166 ofapplying the coating 60 a to the at least one prepared substrate 94 ofthe percussive tool 108, to obtain a mass-enhanced, coated percussivetool 108 a. Preferably, the coating 60 a (see FIG. 5) has a coatingthickness 98 (see FIG. 5) of at least 0.25 inch. More preferably, thecoating 60 a (see FIG. 5) has a coating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5) in arange of 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch.

The coating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5) and the amount of tungsten carbidepellets 66 a (see FIG. 5) are sufficient to provide an attenuation ofvibration 100 (see FIG. 5) of the coated article 92 a and a reduced riskof unwanted ergonomic effects 102 (see FIG. 5).

The step 166 of applying the coating 60 a comprises applying the coating60 a to a barrel substrate 94 a of the percussive tool 108, such as therivet gun 110. The step 166 of applying the coating 60 a may furthercomprise applying the coating 60 a to a handle substrate 94 b (see FIG.5) of the rivet gun 110.

The step 166 (see FIG. 7) of applying the coating 60 a preferablyfurther comprises contacting the at least one prepared substrate 96 withthe adhesive material 62 and heating the adhesive material 62 to adesired viscosity 136 (see FIG. 5). The step 166 (see FIG. 7) ofapplying the coating 60 a preferably further comprises adhering theplurality of tungsten carbide pellets 66 a to the adhesive material 62,and repeating sequentially, all of the contacting, the heating, and theadhering steps, a desired number of times, until a desired thickness 73(see FIG. 5) of the metal adhesive matrix 70 is obtained. The step 166(see FIG. 7) of applying the coating 60 a preferably further comprisesmolding the metal adhesive matrix 70 to obtain a desired shape 138 (seeFIG. 5) and a desired smoothness 140 (see FIG. 5), and applying thepolymer material 78 over the metal adhesive matrix 70.

Now referring to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, there is provided amethod 170 of coating an article 92 (FIGS. 4B, 5, 6A). FIG. 9 is anillustration of a flow diagram of yet another exemplary embodiment ofthe method 170 of the disclosure. As discussed in detail above, thearticle 92, as shown in FIG. 5, preferably comprises one of, animplement 104, a tool 106, a percussive tool 108 including a rivet gun110, a bucking bar 112, a handle 114, a glove 116, a hand-held tool 118,an automated robotic-held tool 120, a power drill 122, a hammer drill124, a power sanding device 126, or another suitable article 92, asdiscussed above.

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 comprises step 172 of preparing, witha preparation process 128 (see FIG. 5) and one or more preparationagents 128 (see FIG. 5), at least one substrate 94 (see FIG. 5) on thearticle 92 (see FIG. 5) to be coated, to obtain at least one preparedsubstrate 96 (see FIG. 5). The step 172 of preparing the at least onesubstrate 94 comprises using a preparation process 128 (see FIG. 5) andone or more preparation agents 130 (see FIG. 5) to prepare the at leastone substrate 94. The preparation process 128 may comprise one or morecleaning processes, such as hand cleaning, power tool cleaning, abrasivecleaning, or another suitable type of cleaning, may comprise polishingprocesses, may comprise smoothing processes, or may comprise anothersuitable preparation process 128 to prepare the substrate 94. The one ormore preparation agents 130 may comprise one or more cleaning agents,such as solvents, water, detergent, soap, bleach, acidic cleaningsolutions, degreasers, or another suitable cleaning agent, one or morepolishing agents, one or more smoothing agents, or another suitablepreparation agent 130. For example, one or more desired locations on thearticle 92 (see FIG. 5), such as at least one substrate 94 (see FIG. 5),including a barrel substrate 94 a (see FIG. 6A), of a barrel portion 142of a percussive tool 108 (see FIG. 6A), such as a rivet gun 110 (seeFIG. 6A), may be prepared by cleaning with the preparation agent 130(see FIG. 5), such as a solvent.

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 further comprises step 174 of masking132 (see FIG. 5) one or more surfaces 134 (see FIG. 5) of the article 92(see FIG. 5), where the surfaces 134 are not to be coated. The step 174of masking 132 (see FIG. 5) one or more surfaces 134 (see FIG. 5) of thearticle 92, is preferably performed where the surfaces 134 (see FIGS. 5,6C) are not to be coated with the coating 60 during a particular coatingprocess. The surfaces 134 (see FIG. 5) may be masked via masking 132(see FIG. 5) with a masking element, such as tape, or another suitablemasking element. For example, one or more desired locations on thearticle 92 (see FIGS. 5, 6A), such as a surface 134 (see FIGS. 5, 6C),of a percussive tool 108 (see FIG. 6A), such as a rivet gun 110 (seeFIG. 6A), may be masked off via masking 132 with tape. Preferably, allsurfaces 134 (see FIG. 5) except the at least one substrate 94 (see FIG.5) to be coated with the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) may be masked.

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 further comprises step 176 ofcontacting the at least one prepared substrate 96 with an adhesivematerial 62. The step 176 of contacting the at least one preparedsubstrate 96 with the adhesive material 62 comprises contacting the atleast one prepared substrate 96 with the adhesive material 62 comprisinga binder material 64 and, as shown in FIG. 5, comprising one or more of,a viscoelastic adhesive 62 a, a mastic viscoelastic adhesive 62 b, ahot-melt adhesive 62 c, a spray adhesive 62 d, a liquid adhesive 62 e,an adhesive glue 62 f, and a pressure sensitive adhesive 62 g. Forexample, the adhesive material 62 (see FIG. 5) may comprise a sprayadhesive 62 d (see FIG. 5), such as SUPER 77 spray adhesive obtainedfrom 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn. (SUPER 77 is a registered trademarkof 3M Company of St. Paul, Minn.) A medium wet coat of SUPER 77 sprayadhesive may be sprayed evenly around the prepared substrate 96 (seeFIGS. 4B, 5), such as the barrel 142 (see FIG. 6A) that has beencleaned, of the article 92 (see FIG. 6A), such as the percussive tool108 (see FIG. 6A), for example, the rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 6A).

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 further comprises step 178 of heatingthe adhesive material 62 to a desired viscosity 136 (see FIG. 5). Heatmay be applied to the adhesive material 62 with a heating element, suchas a heat gun or another suitable heating element. The adhesive material62, such as adhesive glue 62 f (see FIG. 5), may be heated, so that itis still a firm consistency yet sufficiently viscous to hold a pluralityof high density metal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 4B, 5, 6B). The adhesivematerial 62 may be heated to accelerate the method 170 and to obtain adesired viscosity 136 (see FIG. 5) of the adhesive material 62. Theadhesive material 62 (see FIGS. 4B, 5) is preferably heated to atemperature, such as a temperature in a range of 150° F. (degreesFahrenheit) to 350° F., to achieve a desired viscosity 136 (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 further comprises step 180 ofadhering a plurality of high density metal pellets 66 to the adhesivematerial 62, to form a metal adhesive matrix 70. For example, the highdensity metal pellets 66, such as high density metal pellets 66, such astungsten carbide pellets 66 a, may be sprinkled or disposed into theadhesive material 62 to evenly coat the substrate 94, such as theprepared substrate 96 (see FIG. 5), for example, the barrel substrate 94a (see FIG. 5) The uncoated side of the high density metal pellets 66,such as tungsten carbide pellets 66 a, may be pressed into the adhesivematerial 62 (see FIG. 5), for example, manually with a gloved hand, tomaximize the adhesion.

As discussed in detail above, the plurality of high density metalpellets 66 (see FIGS. 4B, 5, 6B) is preferably in an amount of at least90% (ninety percent) by weight of the total weight percent of thecoating 60 (see FIGS. 4B, 5). Each high density metal pellet 66 has adiameter 76 (see FIG. 5) of at least 0.04 inch. Each high density metalpellet 66 comprises a high density metal material 68 comprising one ormore of, tungsten carbide 68 a (see FIG. 5), tungsten 68 b (see FIG. 5),iron 68 c (see FIG. 5), copper 68 d (see FIG. 5), nickel 68 e (see FIG.5), lead 68 f (see FIG. 5), molybdenum 68 g (see FIG. 5), steel 68 h(see FIG. 5), inconel 68 i (see FIG. 5), platinum 68 j (see FIG. 5), tin68 k (see FIG. 5), silver 68 l (see FIG. 5), zinc 68 m (see FIG. 5),bronze 68 n (see FIG. 5), and alloys 68 o (see FIG. 5) of one or more ofthe high density metal materials 68 thereof.

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 further comprises step 182 ofrepeating sequentially, all of each of the contacting step 176, theheating step 178, and the adhering step 180, a desired number of times,until a desired thickness 73 (see FIG. 5) of the metal adhesive matrix70 (see FIG. 5) is obtained. For example, the contacting step 176 (seeFIG. 9), the heating step 178 (see FIG. 9), and the adhering step 180(see FIG. 9), may each be repeated sequentially, for example three (3)or four (4), or more times, until three (3) or four (4) coats or layers,or a desired number of coats or layers, of the adhesive material 62 (seeFIGS. 5, 6B) and the high density metal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 5, 6B),such as tungsten carbide pellets 66 a (see FIG. 5), have been applied orachieved, to obtain the metal adhesive layer 70 (see FIGS. 5, 6B), suchas the metal adhesive layer 70 a (see FIG. 5) with tungsten carbide.

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 further comprises step 184 of moldingthe metal adhesive matrix 70 to obtain a desired shape 138 (see FIG. 5)and a desired smoothness 140 (see FIG. 5). For example, the partiallycoated substrate 94, such as the barrel substrate 94 a (see FIGS. 5,6B), coated with the metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIGS. 5, 6B), may berolled on a smooth flat surface to form the metal adhesive matrix 70into a desired shape 138 (see FIG. 5), such as a rounded shape, and toachieve a desired smoothness 140 (see FIG. 5), such as a consistentsmoothness. Step 184 of molding the metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIGS.5, 6B) may be repeated again until a desired diameter and weight of themetal adhesive matrix 70 on the substrate 94, such as the barrelsubstrate 94 a (see FIGS. 5, 6B) is achieved. For example, a total offive (5) to seven (7) coats or layers of the adhesive material 62 (seeFIGS. 5, 6B) and the high density metal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 5, 6B),such as tungsten carbide pellets 66 a (see FIG. 5), may be formed. Themetal adhesive matrix 70 may be rolled again to make a smooth roundcylinder around the substrate 94, such as the barrel substrate 94 a (seeFIGS. 5, 6B), of the percussive tool 108 (see FIGS. 5, 6B), such as therivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6B), one final time.

The step 184 (see FIG. 9) of molding the metal adhesive matrix 70 toobtain the desired shape 138 (see FIG. 5) and the desired smoothness 140(see FIG. 5) may comprise further rolling the partially coated substrate94 coated with the formed metal adhesive matrix 70 on a flat surface andcutting with a cutting apparatus, such as a long bladed razor or anothersuitable cutting apparatus, a clean edge on the formed metal adhesivematrix 70 at both ends, leaving a bolt of adhered metal adhesive matrix70 to the desired length of the substrate 94, such as the barrelsubstrate 94 a (see FIGS. 5, 6B), of the percussive tool 108 (see FIGS.5, 6B), such as the rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6B). Any excess highdensity metal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 5, 6B), such as tungsten carbidepellets 66 a (see FIG. 5), may be cleaned off or removed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 further comprises step 186 ofapplying the polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 5, 6C) over the metaladhesive matrix 70 (see FIGS. 5, 6B). The metal adhesive matrix 70 andthe polymer material 78 form a coating 60 (see FIGS. 5, 6C) on the atleast one prepared substrate 96 (see FIG. 5) of the article 92 (see FIG.5).

As discussed in detail above, the polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 4A, 5,6C) is formed of one or more polymers 80 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) comprisingone or more of, polyolefin 80 a (see FIG. 5), polyethylene (PE) 80 b(see FIG. 5), polypropylene (PP) 80 c (see FIG. 5), nylon 80 d (see FIG.5), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) 80 e, (see FIG. 5) fluorinatedethylene propylene (FEP) 80 f (see FIG. 5), perfluoroalkoxy alkanes(PFA) 80 g (see FIG. 5), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) 80 h (seeFIG. 5), polyester 80 i (see FIG. 5), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) 80 j(see FIG. 5), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 80 k (see FIG. 5), polyimide (PI)80 l (see FIG. 5), polyamide 80 m (see FIG. 5), polyurethane (PU) 80 n(see FIG. 5), polystyrene (PS) 80 o (see FIG. 5), polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF) 80 p (see FIG. 5), polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) 80 q (seeFIG. 5), or another suitable polymer. More preferably, the polymermaterial 78 (see FIG. 5) is formed of the polymer 80 (see FIG. 5)comprising polyolefin 80 a (see FIG. 5).

The polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) is preferably in the form of apolymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C). More preferably, thepolymer material 78 (see FIG. 5) is in the form of a polymer materialheat shrink sleeve 83 (see FIG. 5). Most preferably, the polymermaterial 78 (see FIG. 5) is in the form of a cross-linked polyolefinheat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5). Preferably, the coating 60 (see FIG.4A) has an amount of polymer material 78 (see FIG. 4A) in an amountcomprising 1.0% (one percent) by weight to 5.0% (five percent) by weightof the total weight percent of the coating 60.

The polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 4A, 5, 6C), such as the polymermaterial sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C), including the cross-linkedpolyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5), may be masked via masking132 (see FIG. 5) with a masking element, such as tape, for ease ofadding the polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 5, 6C), for example, slidingthe cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5), over andaround the completed and formed metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIGS. 5,6B), and to prevent disturbing the soft adhered or glued high densitymetal pellets 66 (see FIGS. 5, 6B), such as tungsten carbide pellets 66a (see FIG. 5). The masked polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C),such as the cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5),may be quickly and lightly wetted with a solvent, such as isopropylalcohol, so that the masked polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5,6C), such as the cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG.5), may slide freely over and around the completed and formed metaladhesive matrix 70 (see FIGS. 5, 6B), and not disturb the metal adhesivematrix 70 (see FIGS. 5, 6B) (only if it is a tight fit). Then quickly,yet carefully, slide the masked polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5,6C), such as the cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG.5), over and around the completed and formed metal adhesive matrix 70(see FIGS. 5, 6B), thus applying the outer layer of the coating 60 (seeFIGS. 5, 6C) comprising the polymer material 78 (see FIGS. 5, 6C), suchas the polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C), for example, thecross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5), to encasethe metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIGS. 5, 6B).

The applied polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as thecross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5), may beheated at the handle portion 144 (see FIG. 6A) side of the coatedpercussive tool 108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as the coated rivet gun110 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), to obtain a good and sufficient bond around thebarrel portion 142 (see FIG. 6C) and the metal adhesive matrix 70 (seeFIGS. 5, 6B), and then may be cooled for a sufficient time, for example,2-5 minutes, before proceeding.

One end of the applied polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C),such as the cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5),may be held by the excess material at the rivet end 148 (see FIG. 6A)side of the coated percussive tool 108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as thecoated rivet gun 110 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), and the coated percussive tool108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIGS.5, 6C) may be suspended by hand or tool and heated consistently aroundthe applied polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as thecross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5), from thehandle portion 144 (see FIG. 6A) side. Slowly work a circular patternback and forth to stretch the applied polymer material sleeve 82 (seeFIGS. 5, 6C), such as the cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84(see FIG. 5), as it shrinks, until the entire metal adhesive matrix 70(see FIGS. 5, 6B) is coated and sealed with a little excess for trimminglater. Any excess applied polymer material sleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C),such as the cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5),may be trimmed with a cutting element, such as a long razor blade orother suitable cutting element, by rolling the coated percussive tool108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIGS.5, 6C), on a flat surface, while cutting a line around the coating 60(see FIGS. 5, 6C), and removing any excess applied polymer materialsleeve 82 (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as the cross-linked polyolefin heatshrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5). The applied coating 60 and the coatedpercussive tool 108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as the coated rivet gun110 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), may then be cleaned with a solvent, such asisopropyl alcohol, to remove any adhesive material 62 (see FIG. 5), suchas adhesive glue 62 f (see FIG. 5), residue. If necessary, check for anobstructed exhaust port on the coated percussive tool 108 a (see FIGS.5, 6C), such as the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), and trim,if needed.

As shown in FIG. 9, the method 170 further comprises step 188 ofobtaining a mass-enhanced, coated article 92 a (see FIG. 5), wherein thecoating 60 (see FIGS. 4A-4B, 5) preferably has a coating thickness 98(see FIG. 5) of at least 0.25 inch. More preferably, the coating 60 hasa coating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5) in a range of 0.25 inch to 0.5 inch.

Preferably, the plurality of high density metal pellets 66 is in anamount of at least 90% (ninety percent) by weight of the total weightpercent of the coating 60. More preferably, the plurality of highdensity metal pellets 66 is in an amount in a range of 90% (ninetypercent) by weight to 98% (ninety-eight percent) by weight of the totalweight percent of the coating 60. The coating thickness 98 (see FIG. 5)and the amount of high density metal pellets 66 (see FIG. 5) aresufficient to provide an attenuation of vibration 100 (see FIG. 5) ofthe coated article 92 a (see FIG. 5) and a reduced risk of unwantedergonomic effects 102 (see FIG. 5).

EXAMPLE

Testing was conducted to quantify the effects of increasing the overallmass of a heavy-duty rivet gun used in bolt installation for commercialaircraft assembly, and to determine whether the application of tungstencarbide weight to a rivet gun, thereby increasing the overall mass,provided any benefit to human users.

Modeling System Response. Now referring to FIG. 10, FIG. 10 is aschematic diagram of a spring-damper system 190 representing apercussive process 192 in relation to forces and mass used in testmodeling for a coated percussive tool 108 a (see FIG. 5), such as acoated rivet gun 110 a. As shown in FIG. 10, a spring (K) 194 representsa compressive force, or back pressure that a human user 196 applies tokeep a rivet gun 110 in contact with a bolt 28 b (see FIG. 12). Asfurther shown in FIG. 10, a damper (B) 198 represents a force that isabsorbed by the human user 196. As further shown in FIG. 10, thecomplexity of all the dynamics associated with the rivet gun 110 aresimplified as a single mass (M) 200 that exerts a force F(t) 202 in thesame direction as a spring force F_(s)(t) 204 and moves a distance x(t)206 as a function of time.

It was hypothesized that an increase in mass (M) 200 (see FIG. 10) wouldlead to a drop in a DC gain seen by its transfer function of thespring-damper system 190 (see FIG. 10), the shift being drawn closer tozero, indicating the forces introduced to the damper (B) 198 (see FIG.10) would zero out faster than the original response. A simpler analysiswas considered, by assuming the force F(t) 202 (see FIG. 10) generatedby the rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 10) was constant, regardless of theweight, since the internal pneumatics and input airline pressure werenot modified. Likewise, the force required to insert the bolt over afixed distance and interference fit all remained constant. Under theseconditions, it was hypothesized that an increase in mass (M) 200 (seeFIG. 10) would result in a decrease in acceleration (force (lbf)/↑mass(lb)=acceleration (in/s²)↓), assuming this acceleration was responsiblefor the vibration or stresses felt by the human user 196 (see FIG. 10).

Method. The rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6A, 11) used for this testingwas an Ingersoll Rand Model Number AVC27 rivet gun, obtained fromIngersoll Rand PLC of Davidson, North Carolina. The AVC27 rivet gun wascoated with a coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), such as in the form ofcoating 60 a (see FIG. 5), to obtain a coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIG.5). The coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), such as in the form of coating 60a (see FIG. 5), as discussed in detail above, comprised tungsten carbidepellets 66 a (see FIG. 5) disposed in an adhesive material 62 (see FIG.5), to obtain a metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), and furthercomprised a cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5)that was shrink-wrapped over the metal adhesive matrix 70 (see FIG. 5).The coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), such as in the form of coating 60 a(see FIG. 5), increased the weight of the rivet gun by 1.47 lbs (pounds)from an initial weight of 5.18 lbs to a test weight of 6.65 lbs. Theweight of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), such as in the form ofcoating 60 a (see FIG. 5), was uniformly added around the entire lengthof the barrel 142 (see FIG. 6A) of the rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6A).The handle substrate 94 b (see FIG. 6A) was not coated for the testing.

Equipment. In order to use the same AVC27 rivet gun in all tests, alltests for the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIG. 5) were first completed,then the coating 60, such as in the form of coating 60 a, was removed tocomplete the remaining standard tests on the rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5,6A) that was uncoated. The data for the automated test bench (ATB) wascollected using a certified tension/compression load cell; a Keyence LKH-152 laser obtained from Keyence Corporation of America of Itasca,Illinois; a G.R.A.S. microphone obtained from G.R.A.S. Sound andVibration of Twinsburg, Ohio; a National Instruments accelerometerobtained from National Instruments of Austin, Texas; and a Venturidifferential pressure sensor with negligible flow obstruction. EachVenturi differential pressure sensor was calibrated to collect data ateither 25 kHz (kilo-Hertz) or 50 kHz. For the human user related tests,the load cell and laser displacement were removed to not hinder thehuman user's performance.

Testing Plan. Now referring to FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a schematic diagramof a testing plan 208 for testing a rivet gun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6A)coated with an embodiment of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), such ascoating 60 a (see FIG. 5), of the disclosure, and for testing a rivetgun 110 (see FIGS. 5, 6A) without the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), suchas coating 60 a (see FIG. 5), i.e., standard rivet gun. As shown in FIG.11, the testing plan 208 was defined by four (4) tests, including anautomated test bench (ATB) test 210 a, a human user test 210 b, a humanuser test 210 c, and an ATB test 210 d. The four (4) tests 210 a, 210 b,210 c, 210 d (see FIG. 11), were divided between the human user 196 (seeFIG. 11) and the automated test bench (ATB) 212 (see FIG. 11). Each ofthe human user 196 and the ATB 212 tested both the coated rivet gun 110a and the rivet gun 110 that was uncoated.

The automated test bench (ATB) 212 (see FIG. 11) for the testing wasmodified with the following modifications: (1) a coupon mount wasextended to fix a 1″ (one inch) thick interference bolt coupon, and (2)two additional barrel clamps were added to accommodate the slightly overand under sized diameters of the coated rivet gun 110 a (AVC27) and therivet gun 110 (AVC27) that was uncoated. In addition to the ATBmodifications, two new trigger mounts were designed with equal butnegligible weight to preserve the 28% increase in mass (6.65 lb dividedby 5.18 lb equals 1.28%). These trigger mounts were powered by a Festopneumatic manifold system obtained from Festo of Hauppauge, N.Y., whichprovided consistent trigger pulls for each test.

A total of fifteen (15) bolts 28 b (see FIG. 12) were installed for eachof the four (4) tests 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d, and were subdividedinto three (3) groups, by 0.0001″ bolt diameter ranges, as shown in FIG.11. As shown in FIG. 11, the three (3) groups included: (1) a lowinterference bolt group 214 a with a bolt diameter 216 in a range of0.4990″ (inch) to 0.4991″; (2) an average interference bolt group 214 bwith a bolt diameter 216 in a range of 0.4991″ (inch) to 0.4992″; and,(3) a high interference bolt group 214 c with a bolt diameter 216 in arange of 0.4992″ (inch) to 0.4993″. Each respective bolt group 214 a,214 b, 214 c sampled five (5) bolts 28 b (see FIG. 12). As further shownin FIG. 11, the order of testing was conducted with an in-sequencetesting 218 of tests 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d, and was also conductedwith a grouped testing 220 for ATB test 210 a and ATB test 210 d for theATB 212 and for human user test 210 b and human user test 210 c for thehuman user 196. The grouped testing 220 (see FIG. 11) corresponded toadditional sensors on the ATB 212 (see FIG. 11).

The interference fit for each bolt 28 b (see FIG. 12) was calculated byfinding the difference between the bolt diameter 216 (see FIG. 11) ofthe bolt 28 b (see FIG. 12) and the hole diameter in an aluminum coupon262 (see FIG. 12), according to their respective test/run. Thecalculated range for the four (4) tests 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d (seeFIG. 11), were within 0.00006″ (inch) of one another, in essence zerowhen considering the limitations of the micrometers used. There was nosignificant difference in interference fits for both the coated rivetgun 110 a (i.e., tungsten carbide coated rivet gun) and the rivet gun110 that was uncoated (i.e., standard rivet gun).

A total of 30 (thirty) installations were performed for each of the twoconfigurations of the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIG. 11) and the rivetgun 110 (see FIG. 11) that was uncoated. All of the 30 (thirty)installations were performed with identical testing parameters, apartfrom the difference in weight.

As further shown in FIG. 11, automated test bench (ATB) data acquisition222 a for the grouped testing 220 for ATB test 210 a and ATB test 210 dfor the ATB 212 included: load cell (pound force (lbf)) 224, laserdisplacement (inch (in)) 226, microphone (Pascals (Pa)) 228,accelerometer (gram (g)) 230, and differential pressure (pounds persquare inch (psi)) 232. As further shown in FIG. 11, human user dataacquisition 222 b for the grouped testing 220 for human user test 210 band human user test 210 c for the human user 196 included, microphone(Pascals (Pa)) 228, accelerometer (gram (g)) 230, and differentialpressure (pounds per square inch (psi)) 232, and load cell (pound force(lbf)) 224 and laser displacement (inch (in)) 226 were not applicable(N/A).

As further shown in FIG. 11, after the data acquisition was performed,automated test bench (ATB) data 234 a and human user data 234 b wereprocessed via data processing 236, such as MATLAB computer software dataprocessing 236 a. MATLAB (matrix laboratory) computer software wasobtained from MathWorks, Inc. of Natick, Mass. (MATLAB is a registeredtrademark of Mathworks, Inc. of Natick, Mass.)

Now referring to FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a boltinstallation system 238 representative of both an automated test bench(ATB) 212 and a human user 196. Before conducting the testing, it wasimportant to identify the flow of energy, the known energy losses withtheir locations, and the potential disturbances that may or may notaffect the performance of bolt installation.

As shown in FIG. 12, desired flows or uses of energy are indicated byenergy (clamp against bolt) 240 a, energy (pressurize system) 240 b,energy (impact) 240 c, and energy (actual energy reaching bolt) 240 d.As further shown in FIG. 12, losses of energy are indicated by energy(stress back on system) 242 a, energy (deflected) 242 b, and energy(vibration of coupon) 242 c. As further shown in FIG. 12, componentsaffected by deflection are indicated by component 244 a of boltinstaller 246, which is affected by deflection of energy (stress back onsystem) 242 a, and component 244 b of riveter model 250, which isaffected by deflection of energy (deflected) 242 b.

As further shown in FIG. 12, the bolt installer 246 may include an aircylinder 247 of the ATB 212 or a human user's weight 248 of the humanuser 196. Energy flow from energy (clamp against bolt) 240 a istransferred from the bolt installer 246 to the riveter model 250. Lossof energy from energy (stress back on system) 242 a (see FIG. 12) mayoccur at the location of the bolt installer 246 (see FIG. 12).

The riveter model 250 (see FIG. 12) applies to both the ATB 212 (seeFIG. 12) and the human user 196 (see FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 12, airpressure 252 from the air cylinder 246 and gain 254 from the humanuser's weight 248 provide an impact 256, and energy flow from the energy(impact) 240 c is transferred from the riveter model 250 to the bolt 28b. Loss of energy from energy (deflected) 242 b (see FIG. 12) may occurat the location of the riveter model 250 (see FIG. 12).

As further shown in FIG. 12, disturbances 258, such as from potentialinterference from sensors and additional weight on the bolt installationsystem 238, may or may not affect the performance of the bolt 28 binstallation. As further shown in FIG. 12, energy flow from the energy(pressurize system) 240 b is transferred from a pressure line 260 to theriveter model 250.

As further shown in FIG. 12, the bolt 28 b, in the form of a 16-gaugebolt, is installed in an aluminum coupon 262. Energy flow from energy(actual energy reaching the bolt) 240 d (see FIG. 12) is transferred outof the bolt 28 b (see FIG. 12). Loss of energy from energy (vibration ofcoupon) 242 c (see FIG. 12) may occur at the location of the aluminumcoupon 262 (see FIG. 12).

Results of Testing. Automated test bench (ATB) data 234 a (see FIG. 11)and human user data 234 b (see FIG. 11) for the four (4) tests 210 a,210 b, 210 c, 210 d (see FIG. 11) were successfully collected, under theconditions discussed above.

Cycle Time and Required Number of Hits Results. The cycle time andnumber of hits required for the bolt to be fully seated were determinedfrom the laser displacement curve, which was then confirmed by themicrophone output—for the ATB. These results indicated a slight decreasein the number of hits required for the standard uncoated rivet gun. Inten (10) instances the standard uncoated rivet gun was shown to fullyseat the bolt in one or two less strikes. The small number of testscompleted made it difficult to determine if the reduction in impacts forthe standard uncoated rivet gun was an anomaly or a real affect.

For the human user, the number of required impacts was based only on themicrophone data. A single-blind method was used to subjectively countthe impacts in order to remove any bias. An accurate cycle time couldnot be produced from the microphone data, considering that final timedoes not coincide with the microphone peak but instead falls betweenpeaks. The number of impacts for the human user using the coated rivetgun (i.e., tungsten carbide coated rivet gun) required one or two lessimpacts.

Air Consumption Analysis (Control). The Venturi differential pressuresensor monitored the pressure (air) line 260 (see FIG. 12) dedicated tothe rivet gun for changes in pressure, which correlated with the slugfiring and internal pressure chamber refilling. A differential pressurevalue at zero represented a constant (static) pressure, or no activity.This data was used to assure that all tests were run under the sameconditions with respect to the supply air pressure and flow. Smallchanges to the input pressure and flow would have a dramatic effect onthe installation time. The differential pressure data was quantified byintegrating the pressure with respect to time, and then divided by thetotal number of hits for each respective test. This data was used torelate each of the four (4) tests 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d (see FIG.11) together, and verified whether the average air consumption per hitof the system was over or under cycling. While the results did notsignificantly differ between the coated rivet gun 110 a (i.e., tungstencarbide coated rivet gun) and the rivet gun 110 that was uncoated (i.e.,standard rivet gun), the standard rivet gun tests cycled with slightlyhigher differential pressures, which may have led to slightly improvedcycle times.

Bolt Displacement and Acceleration Curve Results. The data acquired fromthe Keyence laser captured the motion of the rivet gun from the time ofclamping to being fully seated. The raw data was normalized to representthe initial clamping as the zero point. Any positive slope representedthe insertion progress on the bolt. Negative slopes for the deflectionkicked the human user back. The displacement steps were identified bymeasuring the difference between each of the peak values. Thedisplacement data was also used to determine the uniaxial accelerationprofile by taking the second-derivative of the displacement with respectto time. The accelerometer sensor was ideal for sampling the overallvibration of the system but the laser was capable of providing theacceleration associated with only uniaxial deflection. The accelerationcurve was conditioned with Gaussian Kernel Smoothing (ksdensity inMATLAB) to observe the slope trend. The findings indicated thatacceleration associated with driving the bolt inward remained moreconsistent and over a longer duration than the deflection period, whichwas seen more as an impulse.

Both the displacement and acceleration curve data alone did not show asignificant difference between the coated rivet gun 110 a (i.e.,tungsten carbide coated rivet gun) and the rivet gun 110 that wasuncoated (i.e., standard rivet gun). The results of the displacementsteps varied even between identical tests, thus indicating the need forhigher power of study and/or presence of disturbances (variables unableto be accounted for at this time such as the starting position of theslug).

Accelerometer Analysis. The accelerometer data between all four (4)tests 210 a, 210 b, 210 c, 210 d (see FIG. 11) varied and could not benormalized to be compared on a time-scale. Instead a FourierTransformation was applied to the pertinent segment of the data thataligned with the time of the first to final impact. This allowed for thedata to be viewed in for its frequency and power. While it was unclearwhether the lower power of the accelerometer for the coated rivet gun110 a (i.e., tungsten carbide coated rivet gun) represented betterperformance, the results of the coated rivet gun 110 a (i.e., tungstencarbide coated rivet gun) and the rivet gun 110 that was uncoated (i.e.,standard rivet gun) were distinct.

Loading Profile and Performance Results. The data from the load cell(lbf) 224 (see FIG. 11) indicated the coated rivet gun 110 a (i.e.,tungsten carbide coated rivet gun) measured lower forces than the rivetgun 110 that was uncoated (i.e., standard rivet gun). The results showeda reduction in peak loading experienced by the back end of the rivetgun.

Now referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, FIG. 13A is a loading profile graph264 for measurements from a load cell 224 (see FIG. 11) for the coatedrivet gun 110 a (see FIG. 11) (i.e., tungsten carbide coated rivet gun),coated with an embodiment of a coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), such ascoating 60 a (see FIG. 5), of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13A, they-axis plots tungsten carbide load cell (lbf) data 266, and the x-axisplots time (seconds) data 268. The tungsten carbide load cell (lbf) data266 begins with an approximate preload of 43 lbf. A reference line 270(see FIG. 13A) for the tungsten carbide load cell (lbf) data 266 isshown at 250 lbf. Positive compressive force data 272 (see FIG. 13A) isshown above the reference line 270 (see FIG. 13A). Lower force data 274(see FIG. 13A) is shown below the reference line 270 (see FIG. 13A).

FIG. 13B is a loading profile graph 276 for measurements from a loadcell 224 (see FIG. 11) for the rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 11) that wasuncoated (i.e., standard rivet gun). As shown in FIG. 13B, the y-axisplots standard load cell (lbf) data 278, and the x-axis plots time(seconds) data 268. The standard load cell (lbf) data 278 begins with anapproximate preload of 43 lbf. A reference line 280 (see FIG. 13B) forthe standard load cell (lbf) data 278 is shown at 250 lbf. Positivecompressive force data 282 (see FIG. 13B) is shown above the referenceline 280 (see FIG. 13B). Lower force data 284 (see FIG. 13B) is shownbelow the reference line 280 (see FIG. 13B).

From this test, it was quantified that increasing mass to a standardrivet gun resulted in reducing the forces transferring to the back ofthe standard rivet gun. However, this observation alone did notrepresent performance capabilities of installing bolts. In order todetermine whether performance was compromised in exchange for thereduced forces, force-displacement associated with their respective loadcell results was analyzed.

Force-Displacement Results. Now referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 14 is anaverage force-displacement graph 286 showing force-displacement curvesummaries of the average force-displacements for the coated rivet gun110 a (see FIG. 11) (i.e., tungsten carbide coated rivet gun) coatedwith an embodiment of a coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) of the disclosure,and a rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 11) without the coating 60 of thedisclosure (i.e., standard rivet gun). FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, they-axis plots force (lbf (pound force)) data 288 and the x-axis plotsdisplacement (in (inch)) data 290. FIG. 14 shows an averageforce-displacement plot 292 for the rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 11) that wasuncoated (i.e., standard rivet gun). FIG. 14 further shows an averageforce-displacement plot 294 for the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIG. 11)(i.e., tungsten carbide coated rivet gun).

As shown in FIG. 14, the average force-displacement plot 294 for thecoated rivet gun 110 a (see FIG. 11) (i.e., tungsten carbide coatedrivet gun) had a lower force-displacement than the averageforce-displacement plot 292 for the rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 11) that wasuncoated (i.e., standard rivet gun), and the coated rivet gun 110 a (seeFIG. 11) (i.e., tungsten carbide coated rivet gun) occupied the majorityof the lower portion of the y-axis.

It was noted that after the initial impacts, the tungsten carbide coatedrivet gun and the standard rivet gun were similar in step-length alongthe displacement-axis. From various test runs, the standard rivet gundominated the upper portion of the y-axis in the first half of boltinstallation, then proceeded to converge with the force-displacementplots of the tungsten carbide coated rivet gun near the end. Byaveraging the plots, the unique performance trends for both the standardrivet gun and the tungsten carbide coated rivet gun were easilyvisualized. While the sample size for each specified test was low, itwas clear that the increase in mass reduced the force experienced by ahuman user without significant loss in performance. The findingsindicated the addition of mass resulted in lower forces felt by thehuman user at the back of the rivet gun, while performance between thestandard rivet gun and the tungsten carbide coated rivet gun remainedrelatively constant.

For certain test runs for the tungsten carbide coated rivet gun and thestandard rivet gun, the standard rivet gun produced greater forces.However, the standard rivet gun displaced the bolt further into thealuminum coupon during the first impact. Thus, it was difficult to drawconclusions by inspecting only the first one or two impacts, consideringthe starting position of the slug being unknown, and the position beingproportional to the distance for the slug to gain momentum for theinitial strike. Additionally, the differential pressure of the standardrivet gun was more than one (1) standard-deviation higher, while 4 ofthe 5 tungsten carbide coated rivet gun tests remained within half adeviation, indicating some variation in air pressure.

Disclosed embodiments of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), the coatingsystem 90 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), the method 150 (see FIG.7), the method 160(see FIG. 8), and the method 170 (see FIG. 9) provide for applying orbonding a high density metal material 68 (see FIG. 5), such as in theform of high density metal pellets 66 (see FIG. 5), with an adhesivematerial 62 (see FIG. 5), such as with a mastic viscoelastic adhesive 62b (see FIG. 5), to an article 92 (see FIG. 5), such as a percussive tool108 (see FIG. 5), in the form of a rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 5), andapplying a polymer material 78 (see FIG. 5), such as in the form of apolymer material sleeve 82 (see FIG. 5) over the high density metalmaterial 68 and adhesive material 62. The high density metal material 68(see FIG. 5), such as in the form of high density metal pellets 66 (seeFIG. 5), for example, tungsten carbide pellets 66 a (see FIG. 5), orshot, may be laminated via lamination 71 (see FIG. 5). Moreover, abarrel substrate 94 a of the percussive tool 108 (see FIG. 5) , such asthe rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 5), may be covered with a polymer materialheat shrink sleeve 83 (see FIG. 5) that is heat shrink wrapped toconform and protect the laminated high density metal pellets 66 (seeFIG. 5), for example, tungsten carbide pellets 66 a (see FIG. 5), insideas an additional protection and containment. The handle substrate 94 b(see FIG. 5) of the rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 5) may have a custom formedrubber grip and may then be shrink wrapped with the polymer material 78(see FIG. 5), such as polyolefin 80 a (see FIG. 5), as well. A lefthanded, a right handed, or an ambidextrous percussive tool 108 (see FIG.5), such as in the form of a rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 5), may be madeavailable to further reduce the vibratory impact to the user's bodythrough shock absorption and a load transfer from the joint between theforefinger and thumb to the entire palm instead.

Further, disclosed embodiments of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), thecoating system 90 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), the method 150 (see FIG.7), themethod 160 (see FIG. 8), and the method 170 (see FIG. 9) may providenumerous advantages, including but not limited to, an attenuation ofvibration 100 (see FIG. 5) or a decreased vibration transmission, areverberated energy that directs reverberated energy back into thefastener or rivet versus the human user 196 (see FIG. 11) or operator,and an energy repelled back to the fastener 28 (see FIG. 1), such as therivet 28 a (see FIG. 1), or the bolt 28 b (see FIG. 12), and may protecta user's fingers, hands, arms, shoulders, and lower back. The highdensity metal material 68 (see FIG. 5), such as in the form of highdensity metal pellets 66 (see FIG. 5), for example, tungsten carbidepellets 66 a (see FIG. 5), or shot, preferably work in conjunction withthe viscoelastic properties of the mastic binder as a shock absorbingsleeve that is attached around the barrel 142 (see FIG. 6A) of thepercussive tool 108 (see FIG. 6A) by a cross-linked polyolefin heatshrink sleeve 84 (see FIG. 5). The high density metal pellets 66 (seeFIG. 5), such as tungsten carbide pellets 66 a (see FIG. 5), gluedtogether with a viscoelastic bonding technique allow the high densitymetal pellets 66 (see FIG. 5), such as tungsten carbide pellets 66 a(see FIG. 5), to absorb the shock of the rivet gun's vibration. Thevibratory deadening results may reduce impact to the hand or machinebeing subject to the shock. Several actual production tests showed thedrive time of a rivet was significantly reduced, along with much lessmusculoskeletal and myofascial issues. In addition, it was found thatwhen the coated percussive tool 108 a, such as the coated rivet gun 110a (see FIG. 5) was used by human users 196 (see FIG. 11), vibrationexposure decreased from 64 m/s² to 10 m/s². Thus, the coating 60 (seeFIGS. 4A, 5), the coating system 90 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), may provide areduced vibratory impact and a reduced force transfer. Themass-enhanced, coated article 92 a, such as the coated rivet gun 110 a(see FIG. 5) may make percussive fastening tasks easier for users, suchas mechanics, while improving product quality. For example, users, suchas mechanics, may have increased control over the coated rivet gun 110 a(see FIG. 5) because of the reduced exposure to vibration. In addition,users, such as mechanics may be less fatigued and as a result, moreefficient and alert.

Moreover, disclosed embodiments of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), thecoating system 90 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), the method 150 (see FIG.7), themethod 160 (see FIG. 8), and the method 170 (see FIG. 9) may provide areduced risk of unwanted ergonomic effects 102 (see FIG. 5) and improvedergonomics and safety for those users, such as mechanics, performinghigh impact, percussive fastening work or tasks.

In addition, disclosed embodiments of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5),the coating system 90 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), the method 150 (see FIG.7), themethod 160 (see FIG. 8), and the method 170 (see FIG. 9) may providereduced fastener or rivet drive time and decreased fastener or rivetinstallation time. For example, mechanics testing the mass-enhanced,coated article 92 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as the coated percussivetool 108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), for example, the coated rivet gun 110 a(see FIGS. 5, 6C), on aircraft wing panels 26 (see FIG. 1), discovered areduction of drive time on a fasterner 28 (see FIG. 1), such as a rivet28 a (see FIG. 1). Thus, productivity may be increased. Adhering orbonding the high density metal pellets 66 (see FIG. 5), such as tungstencarbide pellets 66 a (see FIG. 5), to an article 92 (see FIG. 5), suchas a percussive tool 108 (see FIG. 5), in the form of a rivet gun 110(see FIG. 5), with a mastic viscoelastic may increase the impact of therivet gun and may complement the gains made on the bucking bar side offastening. Rivet guns may also frequently be used for non-rivetingtasks, such as setting interference and transition fit fasteners, sothis solution may be applied anywhere rivet guns are used.

Further, disclosed embodiments of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5), thecoating system 90 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), the method 150 (see FIG.7), themethod 160 (see FIG. 8), and the method 170 (see FIG. 9) may provide aneffective solution that is easy to apply to known rivet guns 110 (seeFIG. 6A) and standard rivet gun equipment. In addition, the cost andlabor hours to make the coated percussive tool 108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C),such as the coated rivet gun 110 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), are low, and thematerials for customization are easily obtained. Moreover, the coatedpercussive tool 108 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), such as the coated rivet gun110 a (see FIGS. 5, 6C), is easy to replicate. The potential forreplication may be anywhere percussive fastening is performed, and thesolution may be especially effective for larger interference bolts andrivets where user or mechanic ergonomics may be more challenging.

In addition, disclosed embodiments of the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5),the coating system 90 (see FIGS. 4B, 5), the method 150 (see FIG.7), themethod 160 (see FIG. 8), and the method 170 (see FIG. 9) may provide areduction in die and gun tool marks due to improved stability of themass enhanced, coated article 92 (see FIG. 5), such as the coated rivetgun 110 a (see FIG. 5). The polymer material 78 (see FIG. 5), such as inthe form of the cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve 84 (see FIG.5), provides added protection to prevent tool marks on the fastened orriveted structures or parts. Moreover, there may be reduced gapped headson the fasteners 28 (see FIG. 1), such as rivets 28 a (see FIGS. 1, 6F)or bolts 28 b (see FIG. 12), due to better efficiency of impact.

Further, the coating 60 (see FIGS. 4A, 5) may have the ability to changeone or more frequencies transferred to the handle portion 144 (see FIG.6A) of the rivet gun 110 (see FIG. 6A) and further transferred into thehand, elbow, head, or other body parts of a user of the rivet gun 110(see FIG. 6A). Thus, certain frequencies that may cause unwantedphysical effects to a user may be changed to frequencies that do notcause unwanted physical effects, by using the coated article 92 a (seeFIG. 5), such as the coated percussive tool 108 a, for example, thecoated rivet gun 110 a, during riveting.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come tomind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains havingthe benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions andthe associated drawings. The embodiments described herein are meant tobe illustrative and are not intended to be limiting or exhaustive.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A coating applied to an article, the coatingcomprising: an adhesive material, in contact with at least one substrateof the article; a plurality of high density metal pellets disposed inthe adhesive material, the plurality of high density metal pellets beingin an amount of at least 90% (ninety percent) by weight of the totalweight percent of the coating, and each high density metal pellet havinga diameter of at least 0.04 inch; and a polymer material, wherein thecoating is applied to the at least one substrate of the article, toobtain a mass-enhanced, coated article, the coating having a coatingthickness of at least 0.25 inch, and the coating thickness and theamount of high density metal pellets being sufficient to provide anattenuation of vibration of the coated article and a reduced risk ofunwanted ergonomic effects.
 2. The coating of claim 1, wherein thearticle comprises one of, an implement, a tool, a percussive toolincluding a rivet gun, a bucking bar, a handle, and a glove.
 3. Thecoating of claim 1, wherein the adhesive material is a binder materialand comprises one or more of, a viscoelastic adhesive, a masticviscoelastic adhesive, a hot-melt adhesive, a spray adhesive, a liquidadhesive, an adhesive glue, and a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 4. Thecoating of claim 1, wherein each high density metal pellet comprises ahigh density metal material comprising one or more of, tungsten carbide,tungsten, iron, copper, nickel, lead, molybdenum, steel, inconel,platinum, tin, silver, zinc, bronze, and alloys of one or more of thehigh density metal materials thereof.
 5. The coating of claim 1, whereinthe diameter of each high density metal pellet is in a range of 0.04inch to 0.10 inch, and further wherein each tungsten carbide pellet hasa shape comprising one of, a spherical shape, a rod shape, an ellipticalshape, and a disk shape.
 6. The coating of claim 1, wherein the polymermaterial comprises a polymer comprising one of, polyolefin, polyethylene(PE), polypropylene (PP), nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA),ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyester, polyether ether ketone(PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimide (PI), polyamide,polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), andpolyvinyl acetate (PVAC).
 7. The coating of claim 1, wherein the polymermaterial comprises a cross-linked polyolefin heat shrink sleeve.
 8. Thecoating of claim 1, wherein the coating thickness is in a range of 0.25inch to 0.5 inch.
 9. The coating of claim 1, wherein: the amount of highdensity metal pellets comprises 90% to 98% by weight of the total weightpercent of the coating; the adhesive material is in an amount comprising1% to 9% by weight of the total weight percent of the coating; and thepolymer material is in an amount comprising 1% to 5% by weight of thetotal weight percent of the coating.
 10. A coating applied to apercussive tool, the coating comprising: an adhesive material, incontact with at least one substrate of the percussive tool; a pluralityof tungsten carbide pellets disposed in the adhesive material, theplurality of tungsten carbide pellets being in an amount of at least 90%(ninety percent) by weight of the total weight percent of the coating,and each tungsten carbide pellet having a diameter of at least 0.04inch; and a polymer material, wherein the coating is applied to the atleast one substrate of the percussive tool, to obtain a mass-enhanced,coated percussive tool, the coating having a coating thickness of atleast 0.25 inch, and the coating thickness and the amount of tungstencarbide pellets being sufficient to provide an attenuation of vibrationof the coated percussive tool and a reduced risk of unwanted ergonomiceffects.
 11. The coating of claim 10, wherein the percussive toolcomprises a rivet gun, and the coating is applied to a barrel substrateof the rivet gun.
 12. The coating of claim 11, wherein the coating isfurther applied to a handle substrate of the rivet gun.
 13. The coatingof claim 10, wherein the adhesive material is a binder material andcomprises one or more of, a viscoelastic adhesive, a mastic viscoelasticadhesive, a hot-melt adhesive, a spray adhesive, a liquid adhesive, anadhesive glue, and a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 14. The coating ofclaim 10, wherein the polymer material comprises a cross-linkedpolyolefin heat shrink sleeve.
 15. A coating system comprising: anarticle having at least one substrate configured to be coated; and acoating comprising: an adhesive material; a plurality of high densitymetal pellets disposed in the adhesive material, to form a metaladhesive matrix, the plurality of high density metal pellets being in anamount of at least 90% (ninety percent) by weight of the total weightpercent of the coating, each high density metal pellet having a diameterof at least 0.04 inch; and a polymer material applied over the metaladhesive matrix, wherein the coating is applied to the at least onesubstrate of the article, to obtain a mass-enhanced, coated article, theadhesive material of the coating being in contact with the at least onesubstrate, and the coating having a coating thickness of at least 0.25inch, and the coating thickness and the amount of high density metalpellets being sufficient to provide an attenuation of vibration of thecoated article and a reduced risk of unwanted ergonomic effects.
 16. Thecoating system of claim 15, wherein the article comprises one of, animplement, a tool, a percussive tool including a rivet gun, a buckingbar, a handle, and a glove.
 17. The coating system of claim 15, whereinthe adhesive material is a binder material and comprises one or more of,a viscoelastic adhesive, a mastic viscoelastic adhesive, a hot-meltadhesive, a spray adhesive, a liquid adhesive, an adhesive glue, and apressure sensitive adhesive.
 18. The coating system of claim 15, whereineach high density metal pellet comprises a high density metal materialcomprising one or more of, tungsten carbide, tungsten, iron, copper,nickel, lead, molybdenum, steel, inconel, platinum, tin, silver, zinc,bronze, and alloys of one or more of the high density metal materialsthereof.
 19. The coating system of claim 15, wherein the polymermaterial comprises a polymer comprising one of, polyolefin, polyethylene(PE), polypropylene (PP), nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA),ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyester, polyether ether ketone(PEEK), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyimide (PI), polyamide,polyurethane (PU), polystyrene (PS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), andpolyvinyl acetate (PVAC).
 20. The coating system of claim 15, whereinthe polymer material comprises a polymer material sleeve applied overthe metal adhesive matrix.